Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 23: The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department has requested that the Election Commission (EC) relax the election code of conduct to provide a grant of Rs 1 crore to each district to address the water scarcity that has arisen during the summer months.

While the code of conduct is in place, new work and grants cannot be issued. Zilla panchayat CEOs had brought the issue to the government's attention earlier. Now, the additional secretary of the water department has appealed to the EC to relax the code of conduct regarding water scarcity. Zilla panchayat officials are optimistic that approval will be granted.

Due to the drying up of the Netravati and Phalguni rivers, the Multi Village Water Supply Scheme that supplies water to Sarapadi, Sangabettu, and Mani villages has been affected. To address this, some deep pits in the river have been identified, and water is pumped into jackwells of MVS. If necessary, water is sourced from nearby dams, which is then supplied to the villages.

According to executive engineer of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Narendra Babu, an additional pipeline has been installed for the same purpose.

Dr Kumar, Zilla Panchayat CEO, stated that a work project of Rs one crore has been submitted to the government for approval, which includes various works. Additionally, it is possible to fund drinking water-related projects through a grant from the 15th Financial Commission, which also allows for the digging of new borewells.