Mangaluru has enough water to Supply to other states, if managed Scientifically – Prof Sitharam

Mangaluru has enough water to Supply to other states, if managed Scientifically – Prof Sitharam

Mangaluru: ”Countries can live without high-tech industries but they cannot live without water, it is wise to invest in water, store water and save the future”, said the KSIIDC Chair Senior Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Prof T G Sitharam, in an interaction session held at Hotel Foodland, Lalbagh here on February 7.

Addressing the gathering, briefing about the Fresh Water Coastal Reservoir to Impound River Flood Waters through a power point presentation, Prof Sitharam said, “There is no scarcity of water, There is a scarcity of Innovation. We all know that with the heavy rains we face situations of flooding in the coastal districts of Karnataka, particularly the DK district, Mangaluru is experiencing drinking water shortage from March to June. Every year even when there is no shortage of rainfall or water, we are facing drinking water shortage. The fact is we have no shortage of water but the shortage of water management or storage. We need to manage our water scientifically and store what is needed carefully, then there will be excess of water in Mangaluru which can be supplied not only to the entire state of Karnataka state but also to the neighboring states.”

He further said, “Is there any possibility of supplying drinking water to every Mangalorean 24X7 throughout the year? Yes, there is a technology which can be implemented with all possibilities without damaging the environment. From Netravati river alone, every year more than 120 TMC of flood water goes to the Arabian sea. This is just in the 4 months from June to September. Karnataka has a population of about 6 crores and if we supply 150 litres of water per day per person, the total requirement for entire Karnataka is about 90 TMC. The river Netravati alone is enough to supply drinking water to every single house in Karnataka. But the irony is that Managaluru is facing drinking water shortage in the summer months.

Prof Sitharam also said, “A new technology Sea-Based reservoir, to impound flood water during the rainy season and store it in the coastal area within the sea itself by constructing a reservoir in the coastal area within the sea built as per the requirement which also can be done/extended in stages if more storage space is required”

This reservoir will be built just near the river mouth which joins the sea with all provision to capture only the flood water where excess flood water will still flow to the ocean carrying the salts without any hindrance or obstacles. During the off-season or summer months, seawater will flow up and down easily with the high and low tides. By this construction, there will not be any disturbance to the natural course of the river or no damages done to the environment or marine life.

The benefits of sea-based reservoirs are, flood water, which flows to the sea is captured which is otherwise wasted. No damage to the environment, river course or marine life. No diversion of the river course, no submergence of land or forest or displacement of people. No disturbance to the habitats or villages or towns/cities. Ample storage of water which is enough for drinking and even irrigation purposes in the coastal area. Opportunity to breed freshwater fish in the sea-based reservoir and additional fresh water fishing space for the local fishermen. New fishing harbours can be built along the sea walls in the deep sea. Solar power can be generated on the side walls of the reservoir and also use floating solar panels in shallow waters. Opportunity to promote water sports in the reservoir and increase in ground water table.