Kairangala, Pajeer residents stage dharna seeking action against 'water trade'

Mangalore, April 16: The residents of Kairangala and Pajeer gram panchayats staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner's office here on Monday demanding a ban on the sale of water in these areas since the water table in the region has gone down triggering a water scarcity in the region.

The residents, under the banner of Kairangala Pajeer Gramagala Sarvajanika Hitharakshana Vedike, sought an immediate against the businessmen drawing water from borewells and storing them in their private tanks to be sold through tankers in different places.

They said that the 'business' of digging borewells and drawing water began two years ago and resulted in the depletion of ground water levels in these areas, affecting the people of several villages, who have to struggle hard to get drinking water.

Since the area has seen heightened concentration of people over the last few years, the water problem has become more and more severe with each passing summer. There are a number of educational institutions situated in the vicinity. A number of industrial units and corporate entities have set up their operation here, including Infosys. There are a number of farmers living in these areas. There are several Ashraya colonies and residential clusters built under Navagrama scheme meant for SCs, STc and backward classes, the Vedike pointed out in its memorandum.

The organization said a number of private operators under the names of Kaveri Pure Drinking Water Supplies, Saurabha Water Supplies, Manjunatha Water Supplies, Coastal Water Supplies, Sunshine Water Supplies, Manjunath Water Supplies, Bhagirathi Water Supplies, have been engaged in the business of water supply. Because of their activities, the inflow of water in Kairangala and Pajir villages has completely gone down. The water level in the open wells and borewells has gone down drastically. The farm lands have also gone dry. There is scarcity of water for both drinking and agricultural requirements of the villagers, the Vedike said in its memorandum.

The issue was brought to the notice of the DC two years ago, and he had ordered an inquiry by the Geological and Miniing Department, which had confirmed that the underground water levels had gone down in the villages. Following this, the district administration had seized the tankers involved in transportation of water. But the decision was challenged by the businessmen and they brought an injunction order from the civil court. Although the injunction order had clearly called for continuation of status quo, the water traders resumed their activities within three days, the Vedike pointed out.

Although a complaint was filed against this violation in the Konaje police station, no action was taken against the culprits. By using money power and intimidation tactics, the tanker operators are plundering the natural resources with least regard for the needs of the local people, it said.

The vedike urged the district administration to crackdown on the illegal water trade and demanded that the authorities should not give permission for digging borewells for commercial purposes in the future. Mangalore MLA U.T. Khader visited the protesters and assured them of action against the 'illegal' water suppliers.

The protesters held placards and raised slogans highlighting the importance of protecting ground water.