Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vidya Kumar, on May 17, provided updates on the drinking water scarcity affecting certain areas within Udupi district. Measures are being implemented to address the situation, particularly in grama panchayats and areas under the Byndoor local administration.
Actions Taken
Addressing reporters at the press bhavan, Dr. Vidya Kumar highlighted specific initiatives undertaken to alleviate water scarcity:
- Drinking water is being supplied to affected areas under the guidance of the Kundapura AC, particularly in regions under Byndoor and Perdoor grama panchayat limits.
- Rationing measures were initiated from May 4 within Udupi city municipality limits to manage the drinking water shortage.
- Tanker water is being provided to hilly areas, and 10 wards in Byndoor town panchayat are also receiving tanker water supply.
Drought Relief Efforts
Dr. Vidya Kumar mentioned that Karkala, Hebri, and Brahmavar in Udupi district have been declared as drought-hit areas. The state government has sanctioned Rs 4.86 crore to provide compensation to 27,000 farmers in these taluks for the loss of paddy crops.
Varahi Project Update
Approximately five to six percent of work remains pending in the Varahi project. Though initially targeted for completion by May 10, ongoing pipeline and trench work may extend the project timeline until the end of May.
Support Measures and Coordination
Prateek Bayal, CEO of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, assured that necessary steps are being taken to prevent drinking water shortages in grama panchayat limits. Precautionary measures have been initiated in 1398 identified areas across 155 grama panchayats to address potential water scarcity issues.
Conclusion
The joint efforts of the Udupi district administration and local authorities demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigating drinking water scarcity challenges. Continuous monitoring, provision of relief measures, and community engagement are integral to managing the situation effectively.