Toilets out of bounds for local devotees in Udupi

“Due to acute shortage of water only pilgrims from outside the district are permitted to use the toilet...” declares the board put up in front of a toilet complex, outside Sri Krishna Mutt parking area in Udupi.

The board reflects the gravity of water crisis that has been staring the temple town this summer.

Following unprecedented depletion in the water-level in Baje dam, which supplies water to Udupi town and eight gram panchayats, the water woes had precipitated.

As a result, pilgrims and tourists visiting temple town from outside the state and district had begun complaining of not getting enough water to take bath.

There are two bathrooms for pilgrims in Sri Krishna Mutt area.

Due to the water crisis, water had been denied to those wishing to take a bath. Water is supplied only to toilets, the staff on duty revealed.

The bathrooms in the parking area in Mutt premises had been kept of bounds for the local residents. “We want to ensure that tourists and pilgrims do not face any inconvenience. But water will not be supplied for taking bath,” a staff asserted.

“Nearly 500 tourists visit the toilet daily and no money is collected from the those using the toilets. We fill sump and a tank in the morning with the help of two water tankers. The water gets emptied by evening,” the staff explained. A bathroom situated near Madhwa Sarovara too faces water shortage. The toilet was closed for two days a week ago.

“We had to keep the toilets open as tourists complained of facing many inconveniences,” another staff said.

“On an average, 400 to 500 visitors used to take bath daily in the past. Even the public toilets had been closed down following water shortage.