Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jul 16: As many as 146 villages across Udupi district could face a drinking water shortage even before December this year, with some urban and rural areas likely to experience water scarcity earlier than expected.

Anticipating the situation, the district administration has decided to identify private borewells, open wells, and water tankers so that they can be used to supply drinking water whenever required. The decision is aimed at ensuring timely intervention and effective management of any emerging water crisis.

Speaking at the District Disaster Management Authority meeting held on Wednesday, zilla panchayat chief executive officer Prateek Bayal said the identified private water sources and tankers would be utilised to supply drinking water from alternative sources wherever necessary.

A total of 146 villages under 94 gram panchayats have been identified as being vulnerable to water scarcity. These include 21 villages under 17 gram panchayats in Karkala taluk, 57 villages under 36 gram panchayats in Kundapur taluk, six villages under four gram panchayats in Udupi taluk, 22 villages under 15 gram panchayats in Byndoor taluk, 25 villages under 13 gram panchayats in Brahmavar taluk, five villages under four gram panchayats in Kaup taluk, and 10 villages under five gram panchayats in Hebri taluk.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Swaroopa T K directed officials to make arrangements for supplying drinking water from alternative sources based on the needs of residents in these villages. She stressed that under no circumstances should there be any shortage in the supply of drinking water in any part of the district.