Jal Jeevan Mission work slows in Kundapur, Byndoor; delays spark public concern

Kundapur / Byndoor: The implementation of the Centre’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission is progressing slowly in Kundapur and Byndoor constituencies, triggering concern among residents over delays in providing drinking water connections.

The project aims to supply clean drinking water to a total of 1,09,957 households across both taluks under the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department.

While work in Kundapur has progressed to some extent, with more than half the targeted households already receiving water, the situation in Byndoor remains a concern. In several gram panchayats under Byndoor, the project has not yet reached the stage of water supply, raising fears of water scarcity during the ongoing summer.

Byndoor region, already facing severe drinking water issues due to saline water, was expected to benefit significantly from the scheme. However, the slow pace of work has led to public dissatisfaction. In some areas, reliance on the project has reportedly led to a lack of alternative arrangements for water supply, further worsening the situation.

Project details :

Once completed, the project is expected to supply 25 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Varahi River after treatment.

In Byndoor constituency, the project aims to supply water to 53,425 households across 59 villages and 39 gram panchayats, covering 848 habitations. A total of 348 water tanks, including existing and newly proposed ones, are planned under the scheme.

In Kundapur constituency, the project covers 55,532 households across 38 gram panchayats with an allocation of ₹114.32 crore. So far, 30,195 households have been provided with connections. Though the target was to complete the remaining connections by June, delays indicate that completion may extend to the end of the year.

Water source and infrastructure :

Water will be drawn from the Varahi River near Shankaranarayana village, treated at a facility in Bharathkal, and supplied to overhead tanks before reaching households. The same facility is expected to serve neighbouring taluks including Karkala, Hebri, Kaup, Udupi and Brahmavar.

In Byndoor, the project—estimated at Rs 784.60 crore—has been under implementation for two years but has progressed slowly. Only 14,186 households have received water connections so far. The treatment plant is being constructed near Hosangadi, with pipeline and tank infrastructure underway.

Officials said multiple challenges, including pipeline issues, water availability concerns and forest clearances, have contributed to delays. The project, originally scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026, is unlikely to meet the deadline, raising uncertainty over water availability this summer.