Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jul 21: Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis inaugurated a bore well recharging unit, in Chantaru on Wednesday, July 19.

Speaking on occasion, the DC said, "During times of water scarcity, appreciation is expressed in the society for the successful construction of a bore well recharging unit. The question now arises as to 'how many people would be interested in supporting and implementing such works under the 'Narega project'."

Udupi district chief project officer Srinivas Rao released 'Male Neerinondige Anusandana', a writeup by G M Rebello.

"Usage of water from the ground must not be the end. Rain water can be made to percolate through the soil and stored underground,” said Rao.

State-level resource person and information expert Joseph G M Rebello gave information on borewell recharging unit.

As per the locals, the borewell which had provided ample water once, now remains deserted for the last eight years. It is found in the tests held in the summer that if rain water was harvested, nearly 5,400 litres of water would be filled in the well.

MGNREGA success

The construction of bore well recharging unit was a government project held in the village which had funds and opportunities for rain water harvesting. While there was apprehension in Udupi about the implementation of MGNREGA project, Chantaru grama panchayat proved its success with the completion of this project.

The borewell recharge unit is constructed with a Rs 82,000 fund. Rain water that falls on a 12,000 square foot area of Ivory apartment is diverted into the borewell. This is made possible by the initiative and cooperation of Ravi Prakash Gonsalves, member of the Chantaru grama panchayat.

The speciality of the bore well is that the clean rain water falls on the roof of the house, gets routed into the unit, in the meanwhile, the channelized water that is mixed with mud gets absorbed outside the unit. The unit is made up of a 3-foot cement ring for the maintenance of casing and filter, and a heavy lid on top, so that nothing falls into the unit. The unit aims to increase ground water level, which is otherwise only raised by the percolation of water through the soil.

Gram panchayat president Saraswathi Nayak speaking on occasion expressed her satisfaction and joy about the work of the daily wage workers, grama panchayat vice president Dinesh, grama panchayat development officer Shruthi Kanchan, resource person and consultant Joseph G M Rebello.

On occasion, Chantaru gram panchayat felicitated the resource person and consultant Joseph G M.

Gram panchayat vice president Dinesh who helped in the implementation of the project and the PDO Shruthi Kanchan who helped get funds from the concerned department was honoured with a shawl, on occasion.

Grama panchayat president Saraswathi Nayak, grama panchayat vice president Dinesh, Sheela K Shetty, Vice president Udupi zilla panchayat, Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Taluk panchayat members Dinaker Heroor, Marimadi Sudhaker Shetty, Zilla panchayat member Nithyananda Shetty, former taluk panchayat president Laxmi Narayan Rao, R I Brahmavar, Sarva grama panchayat members and Narega daily wage workers were present.

Grama panchayat development officer Shruthi Kanchan welcomed and compered the programme. Secretary Meera proposed the vote of thanks.