Shramadan to clear silt enters Day 3

The ‘Shramadan’ by volunteers to remove silt from River Swarna near Baje dam, in order to facilitate easy flow of water, stepped into the third day on Saturday.

Using earth movers, the boulders in the path of River Swarna were shifted to ensure the flow of water towards Baje dam.

Volunteers led by Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat toiled under the scorching sun since morning. The herculean task of clearing the path of the River Swarna, lifeline of Udupi, will continue even on Sunday.

More than 70 volunteers from different parts of the city joined hands in the morning and removed the silt. At least 30 volunteers arrived in the afternoon and began to clear the path. Some of the boulders that refused to be budged from their place had to be broken down with the help of earth movers.

The volunteers took up the drive to remove obstacles near Manai and Bhandaribettu.

The MLA said that the water had begun flowing towards the dam after the volunteers began their ‘Shramadan’ from Thursday.

‘’We will continue to work until 8 pm and ‘Shramadan’ will continue on Sunday too,” he added.

Many councilors from the City Municipal Council accompanied by a batch volunteers also contributed their mite as the city was facing severe drinking water crisis.

Councilors Giridhar Acharya, Prabhakar Poojary, Udupi Taluk Panchayat member Sharath Bailakere, Badanidiyoor Gram Panchayat President Umesh Poojari were seen extending all help possible during the ‘Shramadan’ .

Udupi City Municipal Council Engineer Raghavendra Kadekar also visited Baje dam to monitor the water level in the dam. Udupi CMC had entrusted all senior and junior officials with a task of supplying drinking water to every part of the city.

The staff also had to ensure zero leakage or wastage of water during the supply of water.