Udupi: According to Udupi Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao M, significant steps have been taken to tackle the water shortage issue in the city.

Rao informed the press that every possible avenue is being explored to ensure that households, schools, and colleges have access to safe drinking water.

"The district is currently grappling with a water crisis due to the delayed onset of the monsoon. Typically, we receive an average of 26 mm of rainfall in April, but this year we only received 6 mm, resulting in a rainfall deficit of 79%," he explained.

Normally, the district receives an average of 165 mm of rainfall, but so far, it has only received 45 mm. From June 1 to June 9, there has been a rainfall deficit of 90%.

To alleviate the situation, efforts have been made to desilt open wells and rejuvenate water bodies such as borewells and ponds. Additionally, water is being pumped from distant areas to Baje Dam. Rao assured that schools and colleges are not facing any issues as precautionary measures have been implemented. Moreover, task forces equipped with control rooms have been established at both taluk and district levels to handle emergencies.