Karimnagar faces drinking water concerns as Lower Manair Dam water levels fall
Karimnagar may face drinking water problems this summer as water levels in the Lower Manair Dam continue to fall. Authorities have reduced supply and prepared an action plan, while hoping for water release from the Mid Manair Reservoir
Karimnagar: Residents of Karimnagar are likely to face drinking water problems during the summer season as water levels in the Lower Manair Dam (LMD), the lone drinking water source for the town, have been declining steadily.
Apart from Karimnagar town, drinking water is being supplied to 494 habitations across three Assembly segments from the LMD under the Mission Bhagiratha scheme. These habitations are also likely to face severe hardship if water levels continue to decline during the summer. At present, only 7.7 tmc of water is available in the LMD, as against its full storage capacity of 24 tmc. There is a possibility of further depletion as outflows continue. Officials said it would not be possible to draw water using boosters if the water level falls below 5 tmc. In such a situation, water would have to be drawn directly from the reservoir.
Anticipating the situation, Karimnagar Municipal Corporation authorities have already reduced water supply. Instead of regular supply, water has been provided on alternate days in several areas over the past few days. Every day, 143 cusecs of water is required to meet the drinking water needs of Karimnagar town and surrounding habitations. With the current storage levels, continuing supply for the next three months will be difficult.
Officials said at least 10 tmc of water in the LMD was required to meet drinking water needs during the summer season. However, the situation could improve if 13 tmc of water is released from the Mid Manair Reservoir (MMR), where adequate water is available. Efforts are already underway in this regard.
Meanwhile, municipal authorities have prepared a summer action plan to prevent a drinking water crisis, and Rs 49 lakh has been sanctioned for the purpose. Newly elected Mayor Kolagani Srinivas has approved the file. Apart from repair works, authorities plan to supply water to residents of newly merged villages by hiring borewells.