Mangaluru: Speaker U.T. Khader directs immediate power supply for drinking water projects

Mangaluru: Speaker U.T. Khader directs immediate power supply for drinking water projects

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 8, 2026: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has directed officials to provide electricity connections to drinking water projects without delay.

Chairing a meeting on drought management and natural disaster preparedness for Ullal taluk at Praja Soudha in Padil on Thursday, Khader said that in many places, water tanks had been constructed and borewells drilled, but delays in electricity connections were affecting water supply.

He said the government had already instructed officials to provide electricity connections without waiting for the deposit amount. The amount could later be adjusted once grants are released to gram panchayats, he added.

Khader stressed that drinking water projects should be implemented after understanding local issues and must be designed to meet water demand for the next 30 years. He also said efforts would be made to secure special grants if required.

Stating that funds are being released as needed for drinking water management, Khader said water should be supplied through tankers wherever pipeline supply is not possible. He added that apart from gram panchayat funds, financial assistance would also be provided through the task force.

Monsoon preparedness

Khader instructed officials to identify areas where water flow could be obstructed during the monsoon and take steps to clear all drains in advance. He also called for precautionary measures in areas affected by natural disasters last year and directed local officials to visit affected spots immediately in case of any disaster.

Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayak Karbhari said an additional Rs 1 crore grant had been released for drought management and drinking water supply in the district. He added that Rs 12 lakh would be allocated to each Assembly constituency.

MUDA chairman Sadashiva Ullal and Mangaluru Sub-Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya were present at the meeting.