Mangaluru: A member of Andinje Gram Panchayat in Beltangady taluk has become the talk of the town as the woman member not only dug up a pit but also entered into it to repair a pipeline and solve drinking water problem.

On Saturday, the drinking water pipeline developed a leak disrupting supply of water to many houses in Andinje.

When Andinje GP member Saroja was informed about the disruption in supply of water, she immediately contacted plumbers. When none of the plumbers expressed willingness to carry out the repair works, Saroja decided to take matters into her own hands.

Realising that she was bound to supply water to residents in her ward, Saroja decided to repair the leak herself without depending on others. The pouring rains also did not change her mind.

Wearing a raincoat and armed with a sickle, the GP member dug the pit until she could trace the exact source of leakage in the pipeline and repaired it.

Saroja, who won the panchayat elections with the support of BJP, in no time has earned the respect of residents in her ward for quickly responding to their problems.

Saroja’s act of getting into the pit and plugging the leak has won her more supporters.