Mangaluru (The Hindu): Prayers were held at the historic Mangala Devi Temple, through which the city got its name, the Kudroli Jumma Masjid and the Chapel at the Bishop’s house at Kodialbail.

The administration and residents are making all-out efforts to ease the impact of severe water famine which the district is undergoing, ranging from offering prayers to making alternative arrangements.

Mangaluru, known for its vibrant religious practices, on Thursday witnessed an all-religion prayer invoking the blessings of the Almighty for rain, led by Mangaluru South MLA J.R. Lobo.

Prayers were held at the historic Mangala Devi Temple, through which the city got its name, the Kudroli Jumma Masjid and the Chapel at the Bishop’s house at Kodialbail. Leaders from various sections of society and residents participated in the prayer.

The administration, in its emergency meeting here, brainstormed over the high rates being charged by private water suppliers.

Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner H.N. Gopalakrishna said that the suppliers cannot collect more than Rs. 900 per tanker of 6,000 litres of water.

If anyone charges more, people may complain to the corporation on te Water Helpline which would be opened on Friday.

District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai, who chaired the meeting, said that the district is severely affected by water crisis this time even as Mangaluru taluk has remained the worst-affected. He said that villages such as Konaje, Balepuni, Kairangala, Sajipa Nadu, Harekala-Pavoor, Asaigoli, Amblamogaru, Ilyarpadavu and Deralakatte were facing severe water scarcity on the outskirts of Mangaluru.

Officials of gram panchayats concerned informed the meeting that alternative arrangements for water supply through tankers are being made.

Meanwhile, the administration permitted Mangalore University and Infosys in Mudipu to draw water for three hours every day from the mainline.