Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (MS)
Sullia, Mar 22: The mercury is rising day by day. It is not possible to roam around in open between 11 am to 3.30 pm. People reporting of giddiness and blurred eyes. Demand for cool drinks is high.
The weather is cloudy in the taluk since a week. Maximum temperature recorded is around 35 to 38 degree Celsius. It is estimated that the mercury might reach 40 degrees this week.
Demand for tender coconut and soft drinks is on the rise. Tender coconut is being sold at Rs 35 to 40 per piece. Watermelon, grapes and pomegranate fruits are also on high demand.
The inflow of Payaswini river is getting depleted day by day. Water level of well, agricultural pond and borewell in rural areas has gone down considerably. This has caused anxious moments for agriculturists. Areca nut and cashew farming is getting affected due to cloudy weather.
During previous years, in the city there was scarcity of water. The level was so low that mud used to get pumped along with the water. However, this year the level is slightly better due to the late ending of Monsoon last year. However, if people do not value the water and waste it, the situation might get back to the same as before. Leaking of drinking water supply of city should also be set right.
A month ago minister Angara had promised to construct a jack well. But the work on the same is not yet started. The administration has to wake up and see that there will not be scarcity of drinking water in the hot summer months of April and May.
Vinay Kumar Kandadka, panchayat president of Sullia city, says, "Sand barriers are put across Payaswini river at Kandadka and Kallumutlu. Ten bore wells are flushed out and preparations to face the summer is done. Public have to judicially use water. We will take action against people who use drinking water for other purposes."
Fruit merchant Sharif Bellare says, "People are buying more fruits now. Compared to last month, there is improvement in business. Tender coconut, watermelon, pomegranate and grapes are in good demand."