Mangaluru: In a baffling and frustrating twist, residents of Saripalla in Dakshina Kannada are grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water—despite the area being hit by relentless downpours and flooding. The contrast has laid bare glaring inefficiencies in local water supply and governance.
While torrential rains have drenched most of the district, Saripalla locals report that clean water remains out of reach. They say the water distribution has been highly irregular, released sporadically and seemingly at the whim of the operator.
Residents recall that after water was last provided on June 7, they received only a brief 10-15 minute supply on June 11—and that too after repeated requests. Since then, they’ve been forced to use harvested rainwater for daily needs like washing utensils, raising hygiene concerns.
To make matters worse, requests for regular water access were allegedly met with resistance. Though a supply was promised on June 13, it again lasted only a short while after persistent appeals. By June 15, taps had run dry again, and rainwater remained their only option.
Ironically, a large water tank stands nearby, yet those closest to it suffer the most. Residents attribute this to unresolved issues between the Gram Panchayat and the City Corporation over water connections.
Locals are now urging the government to implement the “Neeru Baghya” scheme to ensure steady access to potable water. The crisis highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and responsive water management—especially during extreme weather conditions.
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