News n Pics : Shivram Acharya, Bandimatha
Barkur: A Jal Arpan Diwas (Water Offering Day) and "Swachhata Hi Seva" (Cleanliness Is Service) programme was held on Friday 2nd October 2026 at Mahatma Gandhi Gram Panchayat, Barkur. With the cooperation of Government First Grade College, Barkur, Rotary Club of Barkur and several other associations and organisations, a shramadan (voluntary community labour drive) was carried out, cleaning the Rathabeedi (temple chariot street) and the Kachchur road.
As part of Jal Arpan Diwas, Prateek Bayal, Chief Executive Officer of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, inaugurated the "Mane Mane Gange Jalotsava" (Ganga Water Festival to Every Home) programme at the residence of Bharathi Ramachandra Kamath. A public programme was subsequently held at the Pattabhi Ramachandra Temple.
Addressing the gathering, the CEO stressed that cleanliness of the village and of every home, along with basic amenities, is essential. He announced that Varahi river water supply is set to begin for several gram panchayats in the area, including Barkur and Hosala, and urged every household to make use of the safe drinking water.
Panchayat Development Officer Mahesh administered the pledge to those present. Dr. Rohini, Medical Officer at the Barkur Primary Health Centre, spoke on diseases caused by contaminated water and how to guard against them.
Those present included Dr. Pradeep, Administrative Officer of the Gram Panchayat; Ajith Kumar Shetty, President of Rotary Club; Bhaskar Shetty, Principal of Barkur College; Suresh Pai, President of the Rama Mandir committee; Udaya Shetty; and Mohammed Rehman, religious leader of the Barkur mosque.
