He spoke during the Zilla Panchayat progress review meeting on Saturday.

The level of underground water is falling rapidly. The citizens are forced to dig borewells, but the water contains dangerous chemicals. It is necessary to purify the water before consumption, he said.

He took to task officers in charge of the Jakkalamadagu water reservoir in the taluk for delay in completion of the project. “The work is moving at a snail’s pace,” he accused. “The reservoir should have been completed last December, but is at a standstill even almost a year later,” the minister added.

Narayanaswamy also warned the officers of taking strict action if they do not complete the work soon.

Responding to the ire, the officers in charge said the water treatment plant at Thippenahalli is ready and all facilities have been provided to treat poor quality water. “The plant will be opened as soon as all work is completed,” they promised.

Dr N Manjula, Deputy Commissioner, said, “Construction of a new bus stand in place of the travellers’ bungalow as well as construction of the new library is pending. The project to provide underground drainage connection, however, is half-way through.”

Legislators N Sampangi and K P Bachegowda, Zilla Panchayat president Chinnappaiah, vice-president B Savithramma and chief executive officer B S Shekharappa were among those present.