Media Release
Udupi, Feb 3: District collector Dr K Vidya Kumari has directed officials to take necessary precautionary measures in advance to ensure that the public and livestock do not face drinking water shortages during the upcoming summer.
Presiding over a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority at the Rajathadri district collector’s office in Manipal on Saturday, she stated that although the district received 5,261 mm of rainfall this season—16% more than the average 4,535 mm—groundwater levels have declined, which could lead to water scarcity in certain villages and wards. She emphasized the importance of efficiently utilizing available water sources.
Dr Vidya Kumari instructed officials to ensure that pending compensation for last year's damages, including losses to homes, human lives, livestock, and crops, is disbursed without delay. She also mentioned that funds have already been released for the repair of flood-damaged school buildings, anganwadi centers, and roads, urging the concerned authorities to expedite these works.
She noted that, so far, no complaints regarding drinking water shortages have been received. However, reports of damaged water supply pipelines in certain areas have surfaced. The relevant authorities must promptly undertake repair works to restore the water supply.
To prevent fodder shortages for livestock, the district collector directed tahsildars to stockpile adequate fodder. Given the possibility of fodder shortages in April and May, she instructed the agriculture and horticulture departments to take steps to cultivate green fodder by the end of this month.
Dr Vidya Kumari stressed the need for active functioning of taluk-level task force committees to effectively manage drought situations and ensure uninterrupted drinking water and fodder supply. She also recommended forming similar task force committees at the gram panchayat level to handle potential drought conditions efficiently.
To prevent groundwater depletion and the intrusion of saline seawater into freshwater sources, she informed that wooden planks have been installed at all 666 check dams across the district. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems should be implemented in dried-up government wells.
A mock drill by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be conducted at Udyavara River on Tuesday at 9.30 am to train officials and the public on emergency preparedness for floods and other disasters. She encouraged officials and the general public to participate in large numbers to enhance self-protection awareness.
She further stated that Rs 10.15 crore is currently available in the district disaster management fund, with an additional Rs 1.53 crore in the tahsildars’ disaster fund at the taluk level, ensuring sufficient resources for drought management.
The meeting was attended by acting additional district collector Nagaraj V Nayak, assistant commissioner Maheshchandra, municipal commissioner Uday Kumar Shetty, taluk-level tahsildars, various district officials, NDRF personnel, and others.