With summer intensifying and groundwater levels falling, Mandya district has identified 289 villages vulnerable to drinking water scarcity and has already begun supplying water through private borewells in 15 affected villages.

Mandya district in-charge secretary and Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Manoj Kumar Meena on Tuesday directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in both rural and urban areas during the peak summer season.

At a progress review meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mandya, Mr. Meena instructed officials to closely monitor water supply arrangements and prioritise severely affected villages for tanker-based supply wherever necessary.

Emphasising public health, he said only tested and safe drinking water should be supplied to residents.

The meeting reviewed summer preparedness measures, progress of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works and fodder availability for livestock in the district.

Mr. Meena also directed departments to dispose of all applications received under the Sakala scheme within the stipulated time frame to ensure efficient delivery of public services.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar said the administration had already arranged drinking water supply through private borewells in 15 villages and taken advance measures in other vulnerable areas.

He said officials had been instructed to immediately respond to declining groundwater levels by deepening borewells, installing additional pipes and providing electricity connections wherever required.

The Deputy Commissioner added that census-related work in the district was progressing satisfactorily.