As temperatures soar, Dakshina Kannada (DK) district grapples with a severe shortage of drinking water, particularly affecting educational institutions.
The dwindling water level at Thumbay dam, which serves as a crucial water source for the city, raises concerns of imminent water rationing if rainfall remains scarce. This situation poses significant challenges for colleges with hostel facilities, heavily reliant on water supplied by the Mangaluru City Corporation.
While medical and dental colleges in Deralakatte manage with their own water sources, the majority of colleges face uncertainty. Government hostels catering to post-metric students, numbering 15 out of 50 in Dakshina Kannada, confront acute water shortages. These hostels, including those in Mangaluru, rely on water tankers provided by local authorities for drinking water supply.
Educational institutions such as Konaje Mangaluru University campus and Fisheries College in Yekkur are not exempt from the water scarcity predicament. Although there is no immediate crisis, they may resort to tanker water supply if rain fails to arrive promptly.
NITK campus in Suratkal, accommodating 7000 students, has been implementing measures to address water scarcity during summers. Adjusting the academic calendar, B Tech students vacate hostels earlier, leaving around mid-April. Postgraduate students, faculty, and staff stay on campus, managing their water needs through tankers.
The scorching heat not only affects water supply but also disrupts academic activities. With fans barely providing relief, both students and lecturers endure discomfort during lectures, especially in the afternoons. Commuting under the blazing sun becomes exhausting, prompting the suspension of outdoor activities.
As the water crisis intensifies, educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada strive to mitigate its impact while bracing for potential challenges ahead amidst the relentless summer heat.
