Daijiworld Media Network – Belthangady (EP)

Belthangady, Mar 3: A public groundwater awareness camp for 2019-20 was held in Dharmastala gram panchayat auditorium in the leadership of Karnataka government groundwater directorate, Bengaluru and district groundwater office, Mangaluru on March 3.

Dharmastala temple representative Balakrishna Poojary inaugurated the camp. Belthangady taluk panchayat president Divyajyothi released the booklet relating to the department. District senior geologist Janaki P in her introductory address said, "Netravati river is our responsibility. Pollution of the river should be prevented."

Balakrishna Poojary said that nearly 1,000 cat pits are dug in the temple town of Dharmastala. “The pits are dug to absorb water, for better use of water and drip irrigation,” he said.

Divyajyothi said that during agriculture in the past, water naturally used to get accumulated underground and said, “Man is destroying the wealth provided by nature and underground water is depleting."

Belthangady taluk APMC president Keshava Gowda P said, "We have seen several programmes of the government becoming ineffective. But the programme relating to groundwater is commendable. Such programmes should be held everywhere."

"Man cannot live without water. Therefore, we should prevent its misuse,” he added.

Taluk panchayat member Dhanalaxmi said that wastewater in the house can be used to water a garden. “Water remains clean in beautiful and clean land,” Dhanalaxmi claimed.

Senior geologist Udupi district Dr M Dinaker Shetty said that people should make use of government programmes and use water sparingly in houses and the premises.

Gram panchayat Dharmastala vice-president Jayanti presided over the programme. State resource person Rathnashree Joseph G M Rebello gave a talk on groundwater preservation. Gram panchayat Dharmastala panchayat development officer Umesh K welcomed the gathering. Groundwater department’s Prafulla rendered the vote of thanks. Chandrika compered the programme.