146 Udupi Villages May Face Drinking Water Shortage

According to a recent assessment by Karnataka’s water resources department, 146 villages in the Udupi district may suffer from a drinking water shortage in the coming months. The study cites declining groundwater tables, reduced rainfall, and aging supply infrastructure as key contributors to the anticipated crisis.

Many of these villages depend on shallow wells and hand pumps that have struggled to keep pace with increasing demand amid seasonal droughts. The state government has announced a package to drill new borewells, construct rainwater harvesting tanks, and upgrade existing distribution lines. Local leaders have requested additional support to ensure a steady supply, especially during the lean months of January and February.

The projected shortage could force residents to rely on untreated surface water or purchase bottled water at higher rates, potentially affecting health outcomes and agricultural productivity. Homeowners and farmers warn that the lack of reliable water could disrupt crop cycles and exacerbate already strained livelihoods. Source: Google News – Udupi.