Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary presiding over a meeting in the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Udupi on January 1.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL AARANGEMENT
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary, on January 1, directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair or relay drinking water supply pipelines damaged during the widening of the National Highway 66 in Kundapur.
Presiding over a meeting in the Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office, Mr. Poojary said that the NHAI must repair or relay the pipelines on priority.
The MP stated that the pipelines in Koteshwara, Gopady, Kumbhashi and Tekkatte, located within the Kundapur taluk, as well as in Saligrama, Kotathattu, Kota, Manur, Pandeshwara and Sastana in the Brahmavar taluk, had sustained damage. Residents are thus experiencing a shortage in the supply of drinking water, he said.
He noted that since a few water supply lines were situated in the carriageway of the highway, there was a need to relay the new lines. Due to funding shortages faced by the gram panchayats and RDPR Department, he urged the NHAI to handle the repair and relaying work.
The new pipelines could be laid on the sides of service roads of the highway, he added.
Mr. Poojary further asked the RDPR department engineers to prepare the budget estimates for the repair and relaying and send the same to the Karnataka Regional Office of NHAI.
MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi and Deputy Commissioner of Udupi T.K. Swaroopa, and the Chief Executive Officer of Udupi Zilla Panchayat Pratheek Bayal were also present.
Jakanachari Commemoration Day
Meanwhile, speaking at the Amarashilpi Jakanachari Commemoration Day in Manipal, Mr. Poojary said, “Jakanachari’s sculptural skills have gained global recognition and the enduring presence of his sculptures worldwide highlights his significant contribution to the art.”
Jakanachari is a legendary sculptor who built magnificent temples in the Hoysala and Kalyani Chalukya styles. Known for his carvings in Belur and Halebid, he contributed to the golden age of Indian art, Mr. Poojary said.
He said that the temples built by Jakanachari are renowned for their delicate carvings. The Chennakeshava temple in Belur showcases the artistry that was possible centuries ago. “No other sculptor can match Jakanachari’s work. His carvings are an example of this,” he said.
Jakanachari’s sculpture and craftsmanship serve as ideals for society, which future generations should recognise, he said.
Chairman of Karavali Development Authority M.A. Gafoor stated that Jakanachari, who emerged during the Hoysala era, was not only a sculptor but also a symbol of Indian architecture. He urged everyone to preserve the fading crafts of the Vishwakarma community for future generations.
Published – January 01, 2026 08:28 pm IST
