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Click here to go to the main page of Star of Mysore. Inadequate staff, obsolete pumping equipment and incompetence have together left the system of water supply to Mysore in a sorry state, according to Mysore City Corporation Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim. He was speaking to our correspondent in an exclusive interview at the Office of the Town Hall Committee President to dispel the confusion created by contradictory statements regarding water problems in city by various organisations and individuals. Rangaswamy, Executive Engineer of Vani Vilas Water Works, Assistant Engineer Abdul Subhan and Junior Engineer Channabasave Gowda, who were present, provided the technical details. 
Mayor Bharathi, who was also present, spoke to our correspondent and disclosed the stance of the Corporators. Is adequate quantity of water being supplied to Mysore?
Ibrahim: The city needs 42 MGD (42 million gallons) of water per day, but only 30 MGD is being supplied. Out of this, about 25 percent is wasted due to inefficient supply, distribution and management. Added to this, the unauthorized tapping from the rising main (main pipe) is resulting in still more leakage. The quantity can be ascertained at the beginning of the supply point but it is not possible to gauge exactly how much water has been supplied to city. Does the Corporation have the statistics about pipelines and is the distribution process adequate?
Ibrahim: It is estimated that there are about 10,000 km long pipe lines in the city, which has 1200 km stretch of roads. But if water supply to any area is disrupted, the Corporators permit the installation of a new line of water supply. Instead of replacing the old, rusted pipes, new pipes are being installed along the old ones. As a result, it has given rise to unauthorized connections and water is being used excessively for gardening also. This appears to be the sphere where the water management is inefficient. What is your reaction to taps, bore wells and motors at the water pumping station, which are said to be technically in a pathetic condition, and are in need of repair? It is alleged that the 1000 H.P. Pump, which was given for repair one and a half years ago, has not been retrieved yet.
Rangaswamy: The 630 electric operated bore wells and 830 hand pumps in city are in good condition. Repairs are being done based on complaints. It is true that the 1000 HP pump from Hongalli 2nd Stage, which was given for repairs has not been brought back, but it was a stand-by pump and is not needed at present, as other four pumps are in service at the station. The repaired pump has not been brought back due to administrative snags. There is no reservoir facility in city to collect water. We have only two mother tanks for water storage. What are the precise problems that hinder water distribution? How long will it take to provide adequate water?
Ibrahim: The problems, including technical snags, are innumerable. Sometimes it becomes impossible to disconnect unauthorized connections due to the interference of influential persons. Many persons are not used to paying water tax, but disconnecting their water connection is not being possible. At some places even water bills are not accepted. Not a rupee of water tax from many old extensions in city has been paid. To manage all these efficiently and keeping in view the next 50 years, Karnataka Water Board is being paid a fee of Rs. 20 lakh to prepare a plan and blue print, after a comprehensive survey. Even after the report comes in, it will take a minimum of 4 to 5 years for the implementation of the plan. Bharathi: A group of Corporators allege MCC of selling water, another group is indifferent and yet another group wants water to their wards at least once in 2 days, so that they can walk around with their heads held high. The Corporators lack will power and are engaged in water politics to convert their wards into vote banks. In view of all this it appears that at least 15 years are needed to solve the water crisis to some extent. What are the technical solutions being tried to tackle the crisis?
Ibrahim: Distribution network is being given importance since the past two years. For the replacement of pumps at Belagola and Hongalli plants a sum of Rs. 5.6 crore is being spent. Rs. 12.7 crore is being spent to bring water from Melapura 2nd Stage. Also a project to bring water from Kabini to city is being launched. The 1st stage of the works of about Rs. 11 lakh, out of the Rs. 55 lakh project of providing separate electricity supply to water pumping stations is complete and the remaining work, worth Rs. 44 lakh will begin shortly. Mysore agenda Task Force (MATF) is the complaining that the MCC is not heeding the suggestions even at the time of crisis. Why?
Ibrahim: The suggestions of MATF are impractical. Most of their proposals are childish but MCC is confronting the problems of 10 lakh people practically. If the MATF presents a practicable solution, MCC is willing to hand-over the whole water distribution system to it. As administrators we are more into practice than into theory. Only those who personally execute the work know ground realities. You are bemoaning only the problems. Are you suggesting that there cannot be a solution to the water problems of our city at all?
Ibrahim: Not really, In spite of social problems, political pressure and technical snags, I am responsible to provide water to the citizens. Otherwise I will consider myself a failure. This is a challenge to me and I will encourage my staff to work towards solving the problem. I am discussing everyday with the engineers about supplying water continuously as far as possible. I shall improve the distribution network and management system. However, I am aware that it is not possible to arrive at a single point solution for civic problems. These problems can be solved only if the public, administrative mechanism and Corporators work hand in hand. I hope the citizens will understand this and extend their co - operation. Courtesy: Star of Mysore Click here if you would like to Contribute or send a feedback.
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