Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 5: Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K has directed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water for people and livestock in the district during the upcoming summer months.
Chairing the district disaster management authority meeting at the DC office in Manipal, she instructed officials to make advance preparations to tackle any potential water scarcity until the onset of the monsoon in June.
The DC said that at present there is no drinking water problem reported in urban or rural areas of the district. As per taluk-wise reports, there is sufficient water supply until May 15. However, she emphasized the need to prepare contingency plans in advance to ensure uninterrupted water supply if any shortage arises. She directed tahsildars, executive officers of taluk panchayats and heads of local bodies to remain vigilant and proactive.
Assessment of water scarcity
According to preliminary assessments, drinking water shortages are likely to arise in 14 gram panchayats in Karkala, 36 in Kundapur, 15 in Byndoor, 9 in Udupi, 13 in Brahmavar, 4 in Kapu and 2 in Hebri taluks. Additionally, potential shortages have been identified in 5 wards of Saligrama and 19 wards of Byndoor. The DC instructed engineers of the rural drinking water and sanitation department to submit a report within two days after verifying how long the existing water sources will last.
She further directed officials to identify nearby private wells in advance to ensure immediate water supply if required. Government wells and ponds must be kept clean, and arrangements should be made to provide water for animals and birds as well.
The DC also instructed that taluk-level task force committee meetings be convened under the leadership of local elected representatives to discuss preventive measures and prepare action plans.
Fodder and fire safety
On fodder availability, she stated that the district has not faced any shortage of cattle feed in the past five years and currently has sufficient stock to last for 38 weeks across all taluks.
Highlighting the increased risk of fire accidents during summer, she directed fire department officials to remain prepared for emergencies and conduct fire safety audits at public places. She also cautioned forest department officials to remain alert against possible forest fires.
Heatwave precautions
To prevent heat-related illnesses, health department officials have been asked to stock essential medicines and ensure adequate availability of ORS packets at all primary health centres. The DC advised the public to avoid stepping out in the sun between 12 noon and 3 pm, drink plenty of water and wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing.
She also called for extensive public awareness campaigns on precautionary measures to prevent lightning-related accidents during the pre-monsoon season.
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, zilla panchayat deputy secretary SS Kadrolli, assistant commissioner Rashmi, and other district-level officers were present at the meeting.