Wed May 14 03:14:43 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP for Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, chaired a District Development Coordination and Monitoring (Disha) meeting where he directed officials to prioritize the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Mission (RJJM) for rural drinking water, expedite land acquisition for highway expansion, and address the needs of the Koraga tribe. He also expressed concern over the premature deterioration of rural roads and launched products made by local women’s self-help groups.

## News Article:

**Udupi MP Urges Prioritization of Rural Drinking Water, Infrastructure Projects**

**Manipal, May 14, 2025:** Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary has called for the urgent implementation of the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Mission (RJJM) to provide clean drinking water to rural areas. Speaking at a District Development Coordination and Monitoring (Disha) Committee meeting held at Rajatadri in Manipal, Poojary emphasized the need for a scientific and prioritized approach to the project. He also urged the forest department to facilitate pipeline laying through forest areas.

The MP instructed Taluk Panchayat executive officers to actively monitor the RJJM and other drinking water projects, holding officials accountable for substandard work. He also stressed the importance of effectively implementing central government schemes for the public’s benefit, with a particular focus on the Koraga tribal community. Poojary called for accelerated housing projects and door-to-door delivery of essential services like ration cards and health insurance for the Koraga people.

Infrastructure projects were also a key focus, with Poojary calling for expedited land acquisition to widen the Malpe-Hebri stretch of National Highway 169A. He noted the district had received ₹1,412 crore in funding for national highway projects this year. The MP also pushed for quicker progress on fishing harbor and coastal berth projects.

Expressing concern about the rapid deterioration of concrete roads built under the Gram Sadak scheme, Poojary directed officials to issue notices to contractors and ensure the roads are repaired.

During the meeting, Poojary launched Appe Midi pickle and artificial ornaments produced by local Sanjeevini women’s self-help groups. MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, A Kiran Kumar Kodgi and Gururaj Gantihole, Deputy Commissioner K Vidyakumari, and Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal were among the officials present.

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