Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Mar 6: In the district of Dakshina Kannada (DK), 39 villages across five taluks are likely to experience acute water shortages this summer. According to a report published by the Dakshina Kannada Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the areas of Bantwal and Ullal will be the most severely affected.
The report also highlighted that without rain soon, the situation is expected to deteriorate further in April and May.
Currently, the taluks of Mangaluru and Moodbidri have been declared as moderately drought-affected areas. Although the water shortage in these taluks could alleviate with upcoming rains, the district administration is actively preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Tenders have been issued for supplying water via tankers to 112 wards in urban and semi-urban areas, as well as to 39 villages in Dakshina Kannada. Additionally, private borewell owners have entered agreements with the administration to provide water if necessary. The authority has also arranged fodder and water for gaushalas to safeguard the cattle from the effects of the scarcity.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan stated, "Officials have been directed to identify areas facing drinking water shortages. We are exploring alternative water sources, and if the situation worsens, officials will be held accountable."
To address the situation, the district administration has established helplines at both taluk and district levels. Officials are actively monitoring the purity and quality of drinking water. Lands and sites for drilling new borewells have been identified and prepared for potential use. Task forces have been assembled to manage the crisis, and the government has allocated Rs three crore to the district as part of the drought relief fund.
The toll-free number 1077 of the DDMA operates 24/7. The public is urged to contact this number for any issues related to water supply. Additionally, taluk-level officials, tahsildars, executive officers, and PDOs are available for assistance. If officials are unresponsive, individuals are encouraged to escalate their concerns directly to the DC via the landline number 0824-2220588.