Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 26: Following the inflow of saltwater into agricultural lands, people in the Aggadakaliya region of Sasihithilu in Haleanday village panchayat are facing problems. Saline water has flowed into the well as well making the villagers worried about their water source.

In Aggadakaliya as the Nandini river flows close by, salt water has got accumulated in the agricultural lands. The saline content has increased in the wells of nearby residential areas as well. Thus, people are compelled to drink  saline water.

During the construction of a bridge in Pavanje, mud had been stored. As the authorities failed to dredge the problem emerged. As dredging hasn't been done in the river estuary, saline water flowed to low-lying areas of Arand and Aggidalike. Though the issue has been brought to the notice of people’s representatives and officials concerned there has been no response forthcoming as alleged by the villagers.

As villagers cannot involve themselves in agricultural activities due to the accumulation of saline water. They need to depend on water that is brought  by the grama panchayat. As water transported by the grama panchayat is not supplied to the houses affected by saline water, villagers are likely to face scarcity of water in the coming days.

Though the people are facing drinking water problems in the region, their problems have been compounded with the increased inflow of saline water. Agricultural lands cannot be cultivated for another two years, villagers say. As the drinking water wells are accumulated with saline water, people need to fetch drinking water from other regions. The authorities need to provide a permanent solution, said Dhanraj Kotian Sasihithlu, a member of Haleangady grama panchayat.

Muthappa PDO of Haleangady grama panchayat said the panchayat has taken cognizance of the problem. Members have been asked to collect opinions from villages and the same will be sent to the department concerned. A sincere effort is needed to solve the issue permanently, villagers feel.