Minister Directs Swift Action on Multi-Village Water Projects in Dakshina Kannada
District minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has issued a directive to expedite the completion of ongoing multi-village drinking water projects in Dakshina Kannada district, aiming to ensure prompt water supply to residents. The instruction came during a high-level meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Friday, where officials discussed summer drinking water arrangements and measures to tackle potential seasonal challenges.
Five Key Projects Underway to Alleviate Rural Water Woes
Currently, five multi-village drinking water projects are in progress across the district. Once finalized, these initiatives are expected to resolve drinking water shortages in most rural areas. Minister Rao highlighted that some projects face obstacles related to forest land, which need to be addressed through coordination with the forest department to avoid delays.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari provided details on the specific locations of these projects:
- Ilanthila in Belthangady taluk
- Alankaru and Kutruppadi in Kadaba taluk
- Alike in Bantwal taluk
- Kairangala in Ullal taluk
The projects are projected to be completed within the next six to seven months. Additionally, a proposal worth Rs one crore has been submitted to replace the gates of the Maravoor dam, further enhancing water management infrastructure.
Current Water Status and Urban Supply Assurance
Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Ravichandra Naik reported that the Thumbe Dam, which supplies water to the city, currently holds 5.5 metres of water. He assured that water supply in urban areas is satisfactory, with tankers being deployed to serve higher-elevation regions to maintain consistent access.
During the meeting, Minister Rao gathered comprehensive information from officials regarding the drinking water situation in both rural and urban zones. He issued strict instructions to prevent any public inconvenience related to water shortages, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
Dissatisfaction with Jalasiri Project Implementation
The minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with the execution of the Jalasiri project in Mangaluru. Complaints have surfaced about main roads being excavated for pipe laying and remaining uncovered for extended periods, causing significant traffic disruptions. Rao instructed that these dug-up roads be restored on a priority basis to minimize public inconvenience.
In response, officials from the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) assured that road restoration work would be carried out promptly to address the concerns raised.
