Mangaluru will start water rationing from May 1 amid rising demand, ensuring regulated supply across all wards.
Mangaluru
Mangaluru will implement water rationing from May 1 to manage rising summer demand and ensure equitable distribution across the city, according to officials from the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan H V said there is sufficient water storage in Thumbe vented dam and AMR dam to meet drinking water needs until June 10. However, increased consumption during peak summer has necessitated regulated supply, particularly for high-demand areas such as Surathkal.
Currently, about 160 million litres per day (MLD) of water is being pumped from Thumbe dam. While pumping will continue daily, supply timings will be restricted in certain areas. The revised schedule aims to ensure all 60 wards receive water at least once every two days.
As of April 24, the water level at Thumbe stands at 4.53 metres, while AMR dam holds 18.53 metres. Officials noted that rainfall in the Western Ghats has helped maintain inflows, though no water has yet been released from AMR to Thumbe.
The administration has also identified more than 40 illegal water connections in rural areas linked to city supply, with further verification underway. While immediate disconnection has been deferred on humanitarian grounds, steps are being taken to install meters and regulate usage.
Authorities are also addressing issues such as unauthorized flex banners, drainage problems, and stormwater management ahead of the monsoon. Desilting works worth around ₹4 crore have been initiated across 32 packages to reduce flooding risks.
Officials said measures are also underway to upgrade drainage systems, complete Smart City LED streetlight installations, and improve infrastructure resilience before heavy rains begin.
The rationing plan is expected to balance urban water demand while preventing shortages during the peak summer months.
