Puttur’s ₹1010 Cr Water Project: Clean Drinking Water for Villages by Next Summer

 

MLA Ashok Kumar Rai Meeting (PC- MLA Office)

Puttur June 11, 2025: The multi-village drinking water project in Puttur, spearheaded by MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, is a significant initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity in the region. Here’s a concise summary based on available information and the specifics according to the MLA office sources. 

• Project Overview: The Karnataka government has sanctioned ₹1,010 crore for a comprehensive drinking water project to supply clean water to multiple villages in the Puttur constituency and 28 villages in the Sullia constituency. ₹400 crore has already been released, and work is underway. The project aims to ensure clean drinking water availability by next summer, with MLA Rai emphasizing urgent, war-footing action to meet this deadline.
• Pipeline Issues: Complaints have arisen about pipelines being laid along roadsides, potentially causing hazards. MLA Rai has instructed contractors to address these concerns, including fixing soil displacement caused by rainwater and ensuring that roadside pipeline installations do not lead to accidents or disasters. Proper soil stabilization and pit-filling are to be prioritized to mitigate risks.
• Water Supply and Infrastructure in Vitla: The project includes plans to utilize 49 tanks in Vitla town. MLA Rai has directed authorities to assess whether these tanks, once filled, can support a 24-hour water supply to the area. Additionally, he has instructed the construction of an extra tank to enhance water storage capacity and ensure consistent supply. No specific updates confirm the completion of this additional tank as of the latest reports.
• Recent Updates and Challenges: While work is progressing, specific updates on the project’s completion timeline or the status of the additional tank in Vitla are not detailed in recent sources. Earlier reports from 2024 indicate ongoing efforts to resolve infrastructure issues, such as road realignment and flood mitigation, alongside the water project. In May 2024, Rai faced scrutiny for holding a meeting to discuss water supply issues during the model code of conduct period, highlighting the urgency of addressing water crises in areas like Periyathodi, Biravu, and others within Puttur.
• Recommendations for Action: To meet the goal of supplying clean water by next summer, the project team should:
• Accelerate pipeline installation while adhering to safety standards to prevent roadside hazards.
• Conduct feasibility studies on the 49 tanks in Vitla to confirm their capacity for 24/7 water supply.
• Expedite the construction of the additional tank and integrate it into the existing system.
• Regularly update the public on progress to maintain transparency and address complaints promptly.

Key Words: Puttur drinking water project, Clean water Puttur, Ashok Kumar Rai MLA, Multi-village water supply Karnataka, ₹1010 crore water project, Vitla water tanks, 24/7 water supply Puttur, Pipeline safety Puttur, Karnataka water scarcity solution, Puttur water infrastructure