JOIN USCollect information on private borewells, ZP CEO tells officers
Collect information on private borewells that surround wells dug by the government, Rajendra Cholan, Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer told gram panchayat development officers.
He was addressing a meeting of gram panchayat development officers, taluk panchayat executive officers and assistant executive engineers on Wednesday.
Mentioning that a report on the water problem in villages should be submitted within two days, Cholan said private borewells up to 800 feet deep have been dug near the wells belonging to the district administration.
Immune to pressure
He told the officers to collect information on these private borewells. “A report should be submitted as soon as possible on the availability of water in gram panchayat areas, progress of water-related work and steps taken to solve the water problem.” He also instructed them to work towards solving the drinking water problem, without bowing before political pressure of any kind. “Visit villages with problems regularly and take necessary steps to relieve the residents of the problems.”
Pumps and motors
ZP vice-president D V Harish and member S B Munivenkatappa explained that many borewells have been dug all over the district, but the water problem remains unsolved because of the non-installation of pumps and motors.
They requested the CEO to take measures to solve the shortfall in installing motors to borewells.
Harish informed that the State government has already granted Rs 7.5 crore for provision of drinking water. The Central government will also grant funds under the National Rural Drinking Water Supply Programme.
“The panchayat-level officers should contact elected representatives and prepare plans for implementation of programmes,” he added.
Uniform supply
President Manjula said instances of politically powerful people ensuring they get enough water and also collecting water in tanks in their houses were on the rise.
“Such acts should be prevented. Even if it means taking help from the police, we should ensure there is justice and equality in supply of drinking water,” she added.
Eucalyptus problem
Chowdeshwari, ZP member, complained that farmers all over the district are growing eucalyptus trees, which is an important factor behind fall in underground water level.
She requested the CEO to send instructions to panchayats to clear eucalyptus trees at panchayat levels.
‘No leave’
Cholan said the officers should not take leave from work till the end of summer as the problem of water shortage in villages is severe. He also instructed that no development officer or secretary should be transferred without bringing to his notice.