Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, May 17: Deputy Commissioner Dr Vidya Kumar on Friday, May 17, informed that drinking water scarcity is being felt in some grama panchayats of the Udupi district and some areas under the limits of Byndoor local administration. Steps are being taken to supply water to such areas.
Addressing news persons at the press bhavan here on Friday, she further said, “Drinking water scarcity is seen in some areas under Byndoor and Perdoor grama panchayat limits. Drinking water is being supplied to these areas under the leadership of Kundapura AC.
“Rationing has begun from May 4 under the limits of Udupi city municipality to manage drinking water shortage. For hilly areas water is supplied through tankers and 10 wards falling under the Byndoor town panchayat are also supplied with tanker water.
“Karkala, Hebri and Brahmavar under the Udupi district have been declared as drought-hit areas. The district administration has requested the state government to provide compensation for the loss of paddy crop. Accordingly, the government has sanctioned Rs 4.86 crore to 27,000 farmers of these three taluks. The grant is being released in first nine phases by the state government and 10th phase by the Centre," she said.
“Around five to six per cent work is pending in the Varahi project. We promised that we will complete the same by May 10. However, now it may continue till the end of May. Pipeline and trench work is in progress,” the deputy commissioner said.
The CEO of Udupi ZP, Prateek Bayal said, “Necessary steps are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water in grama panchayat limits of the district. Some areas of 23 grama panchayats falling under the limits of Brahmavar, Kundapura, Hebri and Byndoor are supplied with tanker water. In the survey that was done to identify probable areas that will face drinking water shortage, 1398 areas have been identified that come under 155 grama panchayat limits. Suitable precautionary measures were also taken to counter the same. A toll-free number and a 24-hour manning is being done to respond to water scarcity related queries.”
City municipality commissioner Rayappa, news officer Manjunath, DHO Dr I P Gadada, Dr Prashant Bhat, Kirant Manjanabailu and Ajit Aradi were present.
Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, president of district working journalists’ association did the introductory speech. Chief secretary Nazeer Polya welcomed. Treasurer Umesh Marpalli rendered the vote of thanks. Secretary Rahim Ujire compered the event.