The simmering discontentment among residents of city over erratic or no supply of drinking water in several extensions probably reached a flash point this morning with over 500 residents of MCC Ward 33 covering Paduvarahalli and Jayalakshmipuram blocking the busy Hunsur road at the Paduvarahalli junction from 6 am to 9 am to draw the attention of concerned authorities.

The residents pointed out that Mysore City Corporation (MCC) had announced a ward-wise water supply schedule but alleged that it was fictitious and far from reality with not a drop of water for days together.

They further contended that MCC officials always took the shelter of low storage at KRS reservoir with sheer nonchalance to decipher the intricacies of existing problem in distribution.

Being early in the morning, the traffic on the busy Hunsur road was rather thin but as the blockade lasted for about three hours, vehicles began lining up. Following this, Jayalakshmipuram Police arrived at the spot and diverted the vehicles through a parallel road.

Meanwhile, MCC Commissioner P.G. Ramesh, Superintending Engineer Krishna, newly-elected MLA from Chamaraja constituency Vasu and Corporators Bhagyavati and Rajeshwari arrived at the spot.

Realising the gravity of the situation, MCC Commissioner Ramesh immediately summoned five water tankers to the affected areas much to the displeasure of the irate residents who insisted that water be supplied through pipes and not tankers.

Ramesh convinced the residents saying that three old borewells in the area would be cleaned and rejuvanated immediately. He also instructed the officials to immediately summon geologists and water diviners to find out the spots to sink two or three new borewells in the area.

Based on his assurances, the residents withdrew their protest.

Ramesh, speaking to SOM, said that the Belagola Pumping Station has begun pumping some quantity of water and Central Service Reservoir (CSR) was getting filled up which would slightly ease the present tight situation and added that Hongalli Pumping Station could only pump 64 MLD per day as against 90 MLD.

The MCC Commissioner requested the residents to use water judiciously during this crucial period and added that water supply to new constructions has been stopped.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore