Mangaluru: Following the water crisis in the city the district administration has decided to provide water for industrial purposes by desalinating sea water.
In a meeting with Ion-Exchange India limited and the major industries of Dakshina Kannada held at DC office on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that, it would be easier for the MCC and the district administration to provide drinking water to the city if the sea water is desalinated and supplied to the industrial purposes.

“We have faced drought-like situation and during times of crisis, it was extremely difficult to provide water to industries and to households for domestic purposes. So, it is imperative for us to find an alternative for this problem,” he said.

Representatives of Ion-Exchange India limited presented the plan and procedure for the said plan. Previously the company has started their plant in Gujarat and Chennai and both plants are running successfully, they said.

Representative of Ion-Exchange India limited Shridhar said that, the important thing which will make the plant effective is how the plant is being used.

“The cost depends on the amount of water desalinated. The average cost is Rs 40 for 1000 ltr. The electricity required is 4 units for 1000 liter of water desalinated. It will take 8 to 10 months to construct the plant after getting all prior permission from authorities,” he added.

He further said that, the land required for the plant depends upon the the quantity of water to be desalinated per day, ie: for 20 MLD plant 10 acres of land is required.

Replying to this DC said that, two acres of land can be approved by district administration and the additional land would be procured after acquisition.

ADC Kumar, City Police Commissioner Chandrasekhar, SP Bhushan Gulabrao Borase and officials of MRPL, NMPT, MCF were present.