Udupi Deputy Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati urged voters not to be carried away by anti-democratic elements and boycott polling.

She was responding to increasing instances of voters giving calls for boycott of polls in protest against water scarcity and sand-related crisis. The deputy commissioner, who is also the district election officer, added, “Election is the big festival of democracy which is taking place. All other issues can be sorted out. The voters need to make a wise decision in order to exercise their franchise,” she explained.

Drinking water supply

The deputy commissioner, responding to a query on the scarcity of drinking water faced by the people in 60 gram panchayats, said that a meeting will be organised soon to take stock of water crisis in the district.

“Barring four to five gram panchayats, it is observed that there will be no water scarcity till March 30. In Udupi municipality, a meeting will be organised to look into the rationing of the water,” she assured.

“Wherever needed, water will be supplied through tankers. On farmers demanding water for their standing crop the Baje reservoir,” said the officer. She added that drinking water supply is the priority.

Construction work

The tahsildars have been entrusted with the task of managing the crisis and all construction works are being completed on war-footing, she said.

Speaking on the sand crisis, the Korlapati said that she would do all within the purview of law to encourage sand mining activities in the district. She, however, warned elements of punishment if they instigated voters into boycotting the elections.