Mangaluru: Learning from the harsh lessons that the acute water scarcity taught this dry season, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo said that rain water harvesting will be made compulsory in the city to reduce drought-like situation in future.

Addressing the news persons at the Thumbe vented dam on Friday, Lobo said that, after having seen worst drought ever, it is imperative that the administration took steps to mitigate water crisis.

Besides rain water harvesting, process of recharging wells and lakes will also be taken up. Further, he said that the contaminated open wells will be cleaned under ‘Amruth’ schemes.

He said that the Thumbe dam construction work will be completed by the end of June and with this the water level at the dam can be raised from four feet to seven feet putting an end to water woes of Mangaluru.

“We are also looking at other methods such as desalinisation of sea water so as to pump water to industries,” he said.

MCC Mayor Harinath said that the people of Mangaluru city have co-operated with the MCC during the times of crisis. At present 9.7 feet water is stored in the dam, it will be sufficient to supply water to the city for next 15 days daily.

“We have appointed a lawyer to fight for us in the Supreme Court to get water from Lakhya dam permanently,” he added.

Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava, MCC Commissioner Gopalkrishna and others were present.