Mangaluru: Karnataka Health and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday issued a series of directives aimed at strengthening drinking water supply, healthcare infrastructure, environmental protection and addressing emerging economic concerns. The instructions were issued following multiple review meetings with officials and interactions with the media in Mangaluru.
Focus on uninterrupted drinking water supply
Reviewing the district’s preparedness for the summer season, the minister emphasised the urgent need to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply across both rural and urban areas. He directed officials to expedite ongoing multi-village drinking water projects, noting that delays could worsen seasonal shortages.
At present, five major drinking water projects are under implementation in rural parts of the district. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly ease water scarcity in most villages. However, some works have encountered delays due to issues related to forest land clearances. The minister instructed concerned departments to coordinate effectively and resolve such bottlenecks without further delay.
Zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbari informed that projects in Beltangady, Kadaba, Bantwal and Ullal taluks are progressing and are likely to be completed within six to seven months. Additionally, a proposal worth Rs 1 crore has been submitted to replace gates at the Maravoor dam, which is expected to improve water management capacity.
Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Naik stated that the Thumbe dam currently holds 5.5 metres of water, ensuring stable supply to the city. Tankers have also been deployed to cater to elevated areas facing distribution challenges. The minister made it clear that under no circumstances should the public face drinking water shortages, stressing accountability among officials.
Concerns over Jal Siri project implementation
The minister expressed strong displeasure regarding the implementation of the Jal Siri project, particularly highlighting the poor restoration of roads after pipeline works. He noted that prolonged delays in repairing dug-up roads have caused inconvenience to commuters and disrupted traffic flow in several areas.
Officials from the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) assured that a special drive would be undertaken to restore roads on priority. The minister directed them to ensure that such issues are addressed swiftly and that public inconvenience is minimised in future infrastructure works.
Push to upgrade healthcare infrastructure
Turning to healthcare, Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials to upgrade Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) hospitals and dispensaries to provide comprehensive treatment facilities for workers and their families. He said efforts are underway to finalise an agreement that would integrate ESI services with taluk and district government hospitals, thereby expanding access to healthcare for beneficiaries.
The minister also called for the upgradation of the Mangaluru ESI hospital by introducing advanced diagnostic services, surgical facilities and specialised care units. Officials revealed that the ESI network in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi currently includes one hospital and 11 dispensaries, catering to around 3.92 lakh registered members and nearly 15 lakh beneficiaries.
In addition to government facilities, ESI services are being extended through 18 private hospitals in Dakshina Kannada and 11 in Udupi. The Mangaluru ESI hospital is undergoing modernisation at a cost of Rs 10 crore, with new facilities such as intensive care units, operation theatres, laboratories and dialysis units being added to enhance patient care.
Strict action on environmental violations
Addressing environmental concerns, the minister ordered immediate removal of encroachments along riverbanks in the Sultan Bathery area. Reports indicated that construction debris had been dumped to reclaim land illegally, posing a threat to natural water flow and ecological balance.
He directed officials to restore affected rivers to their original course and take strict legal action against violators. Police cases have already been registered, and a vehicle used for dumping debris has been seized as part of enforcement efforts.
Officials also informed that pollution levels in the Nandini river near Surathkal-Mukka have been brought under control. To further tackle industrial waste discharge, a Rs 39 crore sewage treatment plant has been tendered for the Baikampady industrial area. Plans are also underway to extend underground drainage systems in nearby residential areas and connect them to treatment facilities.
Minister addresses political and economic concerns
Speaking to reporters, the minister dismissed speculation linking by-election results with a potential change in state leadership. He clarified that such decisions are the prerogative of the party high command and are not influenced by by-election outcomes.
He also raised concerns about medicine shortages linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted imports and increased costs. Warning of a possible gas shortage, he stated that food production in some areas has already declined by nearly 50 per cent due to supply constraints.
The minister emphasised the need for transparency in addressing these challenges, cautioning against downplaying the situation. He called for timely corrective measures to mitigate the impact on essential supplies and public welfare.
Conclusion
The directives issued by the minister reflect a comprehensive approach to governance in Dakshina Kannada, addressing immediate concerns such as water scarcity and infrastructure gaps while also focusing on long-term improvements in healthcare and environmental protection. With clear timelines and accountability measures, the administration is expected to prioritise implementation to ensure minimal disruption to public life during the summer months and beyond.