Mangalore celebs handle water crisis

City has water that will last only a week', 'Thumbe dam faces severe water shortage', 'Mangaluru facing a major water crisis' ' These have been the headlines that have sent Mangaluru into a tizzy in the recent past. The writing is on the wall ' a city that has never been short of water until now, has witnessed one of its worst summers this year with river beds and dams going dry.MT speaks to city celebs for their take on the issue and ideas to conserve water.
Gurukiran, music director:
This was bound to happen. The Yettinahole project has affected the water table in the district, this major river beds have gone dry. We have always been a self-sufficient district and it is disheartening to know this water rich region is facing a crisis. Another issue is our outdated drainage system which has led to sewage mixing with ground water, so precious potable water goes waste. The time has no arrived to realize the importance of rain water harvesting. Since Dakshina Kannada receives copious rainfall, people should start harvesting this water. It will help tide over harsh summers. Also, start planting at least one tree a year.
Sonal Monteiro, actress:
It is strange that a city that has never heard of water problems is today facing one of its worst summers. I realized the seriousness of the problem when a neighbouring apartment was evacuated due to shortage of water. My family has stopped using the shower. Even flushes use huge amounts of water, so it is wise to use the bucket. Gardening and washing the car has long been stopped. Another noteworthy aspect which we had been ignoring is the importance of having wells. In the good old days, every house had a well which with time was passed up to make way for modern equipment. I think it's time we resorted to this time-tested life saver in these pressing times.
K Sooraj Shetty, film director:
There is no use dissecting this problem; it's here and we have to face it. I have always been prudent about using water and this year my family has realised why I've been stressing on its importance. At home, we have stopped using the washing machine and it is back to the good old washing stone. Earlier, the tap used to be left turned on and phone calls would be attended to. That's a habit that has been foregone now. Mopping is done when it is inevitable. We have plugged unnecessary usage of water and I suggest everyone does the same.
Naveen Padil, actor:
We have meddled with nature and this is just the beginning of the things to come. Thankfully, my home stands right next to a paddy field with ample sources of water, including a well. But the rest of the city is not so lucky especially apartments and high-rises. There is no single solution to conserving water. Common sense has a huge role to play in your utilization of water, so make ample use of it.
Meanwhile.... Some of the hotels in the city have now started using plantain leaves and are sheaths to serve food. Prominent hostels in the city have now begun sending their inmates home, while educational institutions have partially suspended classes till the situation improves.