The Varahi drinking water project, which aims to provide 24×7 water supply to Udupi city and neighbouring villages, has been delayed due to pending land acquisition, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said on Tuesday (October 28).

700 metres of land yet to be acquired

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC), Suvarna said that the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) has yet to acquire about 700 metres of private land in Halady village, which has held up pipeline work.

He added that approximately ₹75 lakh would be required to purchase the land, while an additional ₹2.5 crore is needed to complete the project works on the acquired stretch.

Project aimed at 24×7 water supply

The Varahi drinking water project is designed to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Udupi city and surrounding villages that currently rely on limited municipal and borewell water. Once completed, the project will significantly improve drinking water access for residents and address recurring summer shortages.

The delay, however, has caused concern among local residents and civic officials who have been waiting for the project to move to its final phase.

MLA seeks quick action from KUIDFC

MLA Suvarna urged KUIDFC officials to expedite the acquisition process and resolve legal and administrative hurdles at the earliest. He said the project holds critical importance for the region’s urban and rural water needs and any further delay would affect public welfare.

Municipal officials assured that discussions with landowners are ongoing and compensation will be processed promptly once final valuations are approved.

Conclusion

The Varahi project, once completed, will mark a major milestone in Udupi’s infrastructure development. However, with land acquisition pending and additional funds required, progress remains uncertain until KUIDFC clears the bottleneck.