Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Sep 16: Kancharu pond which falls under the limits of Amparu gram panchayat in the taluk and situated besides Amparu-Siddapura main road is renovated.

This pond was revived with the financial assistance of Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala rural development scheme and with the active participation and cooperation of Amparu gram panchayat Kancharu pond development committee.

Giving details of the project, Ganesh B, director of the scheme for Udupi district said, “This pond is developed at a total cost of Rs 7,75,900. Out of this Rs 5.45 lac grant is given by Dharmasthala scheme while Amparu gram panchayat released Rs 50,000. Value of silt transportation is Rs 1,80,900.

“Work on the 1.75 acre pond began on February 22 and was completed on September 13. Silt from the pond was completely removed. Trenches for additional water to flow out and normal water to flow in are made. Wired mesh is put all around the pond for safety.

“Ground water level will improve due to the development of this pond. It will also facilitate agriculture for land that is on the lower side of the pond. There is forest nearby. So the pond will quench the thirst of animals and birds living in the forest also.

“Local panchayats gave fullest cooperation in the development of the pond. A committee was formed under the presidency of Thyagaraja Bhat. The project was guided by Ganesh B, district project director of Dharmasthala scheme. Kundapur taluk project officer K Muralidhar Shetty, local zonal supervisors, service representatives, internal auditor Sunita, gram panchayat president Bharathi Shet and vice president Ashok Kumar put in their best efforts.

“Nammuru Namma Kere’ is the brainchild of Mathrashree Hemavathi Heggade. The name is given in order to kindle regards in the minds of the public towards the pond of their village. For the past six years, this project is in implementation. So far 390 ponds are revived or built under this scheme. The total amount spent so far is Rs 21 crore and 46 lac. Rs 16.23 lac is contributed by local administrations. More than 1,65,000 families are benefitted. IN Udupi district, 10 ponds are developed.”