146 Udupi villages risk drinking water crisis

The Department of Drinking Water Resources of Karnataka has flagged that up to 146 villages in the Udupi district may experience a critical shortage of potable water in the coming months. Senior officials cite aging pipeline infrastructure, dwindling groundwater recharge rates and irregular rainfall as primary causes.

Udupi’s eight panchayats have already reported intermittent supply and increased bore‑well usage, leading to higher costs and health concerns. While the state’s water safety board has proposed new treatment plants and rain‑water harvesting schemes, many residents say the response is still too slow.

The potential shortage poses serious risks to daily life, especially for schoolchildren and the elderly, and could impact local agriculture that relies on irrigation. Local leaders are urging faster implementation of the approved projects and demand a detailed blueprint from the state government. Source: Google News – Udupi.