Mangaluru
Mangaluru is witnessing a severe drinking water shortage as rising summer temperatures and falling groundwater levels have sharply reduced supply from the Thumbe vented dam. The situation has forced residents to depend heavily on private water tankers.
At present, the city is receiving piped water only once every two days, creating significant pressure on households, apartment complexes, hospitals, markets, and transport hubs. As demand surges, tanker operators say they are struggling to meet requirements due to rapidly drying borewells and wells.
Key sourcing areas such as Kadri and Pumpwell have reported a steep decline in groundwater levels, further worsening the crisis. Officials estimate that the city requires around 15 to 25 lakh litres of tanker water daily to meet essential needs.
Despite continuous operation of tankers with capacities of 3,000, 6,000, and 12,000 litres making multiple trips per day, supply remains inadequate. The shortage is particularly severe for the Mangaluru City Corporation, which operates only a limited number of outsourced tankers across 60 wards.
Residents have also complained about delays in tanker deliveries, especially during emergencies, adding to public frustration. Essential services such as the airport, railway stations, hospitals, hotels, and fishing activity are also dependent on tanker water, increasing pressure on limited resources.
Water suppliers report that groundwater sources are now taking several hours to recharge after extraction, making sustainable supply extremely difficult under current conditions.
Authorities have urged citizens to conserve water by avoiding non-essential usage such as vehicle washing and excessive gardening. Apartment residents have also been advised to prevent overflow and wastage from storage tanks.
The ongoing crisis highlights the city’s growing vulnerability to summer water stress and declining groundwater reserves.