Sullia: As the temperature is rising day by day, due to severe drought, the entire Sullia taluk is under water crisis. There is a fear of complete stoppage in water supply, if rains are delayed.
Currently, Payaswini river water is being supplied by blocking water near Kallumuttu. The water level has gradually come down. It is learnt that the available water is sufficient only for a week. The Payaswini River is completely dried up and the water flow from the river has stopped. Water was being supplied to the town through 2 50HP pumps from Kallumutlu pumphouse. As the water level has come down, one of the pumps has stopped functioning.

Payaswini River is the only source of water to Sullia taluk. Residents from Sampaje to Kasargod too depend on the river for daily purpose and agriculture, which has now completely dried up.

Other water sources like streams, ponds, lakes, wells too have dried up other than Payaswini River. Ground water level too has decreased; as a result there is no water available in bore wells too, due to which the agriculturists have not used water for over a month or so.

Even the gram panchayaths supplying water have been facing crisis as they are unable to fill water in the tanks due to frequent power cuts and water scarcity. To fill water in the tanks, it needs 8 hours of electricity and sufficient water. Villagers of Kallugundi and Sampaje are already facing water shortage.

Town panchayath president Prakash Hegde has said that, water will be supplied two days in a week. Water will be stored in tankers and will be supplied to the residents. In places where there is severe water crisis, bore wells will be dug to meet water problems.