Udupi DC’s instructions on open borewells and water bodies safety

Udupi DC’s instructions on open borewells and water bodies safety

Mangalore Today News Network

Manipal Aug 6, 2014:  Speaking at a meeting organised to discuss the number of oopen and defunct borewells in the after math of recent tragedies, Udupi  Deputy Commissioner Muddu Mohan said there are 933 defunct borewells in the rural and urban areas of the district. He said that the agency, which was entrusted with the responsibility of digging the borewell is accountable to seal the same, if it is found to be defunct or non-operational.

The agency should get the NOC from respective gram panchayaths before digging. He directed the Mines and Geology Department officials to thoroughly inspect the defunct borewells in the district and submit reports.  The DC directed CEO Kanagavalli to include the borewells in the panchayath asset list  giving responsibilities to Panchayath Executive Officers and Panchayath Development Officers. He said that Mines and Geology officials should also look into the red and black stone quarrying units and all the quarry units should be fenced at the earliest.

DC’s directions  :  The DC said around 95 per cent of the stone quarrying units are in Patta land. The gram panchayath should have adequate information on all these stone quarrying units. The panchayath should set up warning signals near quarrying units. Notices should be issued to the private parties if any violations are found. The teachers in schools should be asked to make students aware of the danger of going near to stone quarry pits or other water bodies. Besides parents should be told not to allow their kids near the water bodies during holidays. The PDOs and Village Accountants should also take up the responsibilities, the DC urged. 

He added that the tourism department should put up huge boards with bold letters written in red paint carrying the warning messages on the danger of getting into the sea. The boards should be put all along the beaches. He said money from calamity relief funds will be released for the purpose. Besides home guards should be appointed. The country crafts fishermen should take adequate precautionary measures before venturing into sea, if not, there might be a need for banning county craft fishing, he said.  The instructions are expected to be implemented strictly.