Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 4: Dr Vidyakumari, deputy commissioner (DC) and election officer for the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, stated, "The Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency recorded a polling percentage of 77.15% in the recently concluded Lok Sabha (LS) elections. Sringeri assembly constituency topped with 80.13% polling, while Chikkamagaluru assembly constituency recorded the lowest percentage at 70.73%."
Addressing the press briefing, she said, “The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in a very peaceful manner in the constituency. A total of 8,026 people cast their votes via postal ballot.”
Speaking about the elections for the Karnataka Legislative Southwest Teachers and Graduates Constituency, Dr. Vidyakumari said, “The notification will be issued on May 9, and nomination filing will also begin immediately. There are 2,937 voters in the teachers’ constituency and 14,763 voters in the graduates’ constituency. The polling will be held on June 3, with counting taking place on June 6. There are a total of 10 polling stations for the teachers’ constituency and 20 polling stations for the graduates’ constituency.”
On the CNG shortage problem faced by auto drivers and other vehicle owners, Dr. Vidyakumari said, “The issue was brought to my notice. Adani Gas is the agency responsible for supplying CNG in our district. We have 8 CNG stations in our district. I had a meeting with the concerned agencies yesterday and have asked them to resolve the supply chain issue on priority. Already, around 6 CNG stations have sufficient stocks, and two more stations will also receive stocks. The issue arose due to compressor failure at the GAIL stock yard in Mangaluru, affecting consumers in the DK district as well.”
In the matter related to the Parashuram theme park issue, DC Dr. Vidyakumari said, “The sculptor of the statue filed a writ of mandamus in the High Court, seeking an order to continue the work at the rates decided in the original quotations. The court has sought the opinion of Nirmithi Kendra on the issue, and based on inputs from both parties, the court has directed the Nirmithi Kendra to allow the sculptor to resume the work. Two weeks have been granted for removing the statue, and the entire project must be completed within four months.”
On the issue of water scarcity, she said, “We have held several meetings with officials regarding water availability in the district. Apart from Byndoor, there are no major issues. In one panchayat area of Byndoor, the gram panchayat is providing water through tankers. Additionally, three areas of Brahmavar are also facing water scarcity. Yesterday, tanker water was provided to Belve and Mudradi panchayat areas of Hebri taluk. I have instructed officials to take immediate action within 24 hours. We have also received a weather forecast indicating good rainfall in the next 10 days. If this rain arrives, we will not face any water scarcity. However, there are also forecasts of rough seas, so I urge fishermen and tourists to take precautionary measures during visits.”