Sullia: With the rising temperature, the sword of water crisis hangs over Sullia.
The only source of water of the region, Payaswini river is drying up.
Water is being supplied by temporarily blocking water near Kallumutlu and as per sources the available water is enough only for next ten days. After this, the water will be supplied to residents once in two days.
Lakhs of residents of Sampaje to Kasargod mainly depend on Payaswini river water. While the residents will feel the heat soon, the drying river has already left fish dead.
Following water shortage, the town panchayath has decided to create awareness among the public on using water judiciously.
All the open wells, borewells, lakes, ponds, streams have dried up.
A senior citizen, Anand Rao Kanthamangala, recalled that for the first time in last 30 years, the town is experiencing drought. In the 80s the town witnesses similar water crisis. Though every year in April-May water shortage crops up, this year the drought-like situation has emerged in April.
Sullia town panchayath president Prakash Hegde said that as water is sufficient only for 10 days, the residents must not waste water. If there is no rain, water will be supplied once in two days, hence public must co-operate.
He has directed the authorities concerned to disconnect power supply to agri pumps to nearby areas so as to save water.
With this, the fields and plantations will face the consequences.