Karwar: Uttar-Kannada MP Ananthkumar Hegde, stated that drinking water scarcity is being experienced before summer at several places in the district and officials should take immediate steps to supply water, without any politics.

Speaking at the District Development Co-ordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at Zilla Panchayat here on Saturday, he lamented that the officials lacked proper information about the severe drought situation in the district, and survey in this regard was not taken up so far.

Officials are showing negligence in drinking water supply issue. They should be alert and should make preparations to face more severe water shortage in coming days, he further noted.

Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul stated that a study has found that 754 villages in the district would face water scarcity, while Rs 5 crore has been reserved for supply water using local water sources or through tankers.

Upgrade centres

Hegde instructed officials concerned to upgrade Anganawadi centres as per rules, and to introduce fun mathematics in schools. He also lamented that Pradhan Mantri Avas Yojana lacks publicity.

The meeting was informed that 31,000 toilets were constructed in the district, while 35,000 more toilets have to be constructed. Hegde asked officials to construct 500 bio-toilets sanctioned by the Union Government.

He also stressed the need to get better marked and to promote Gokarna Gulla, Bhatkal Jasmine, Kumta Onion, Honnavar betel leaves, and Appemidi which are unique to the district.

Zilla Panchayat (ZP) President Jayashri Moger, ZP CEO L Chandrashekhar Nayak and others were present.