Water woes: ZP to draft action plan

Proposes to build 781 vented dams at Rs. 73.34 cr

To solve the water crisis in the district an Action Plan to construct 781 vented dams, at the cost of Rs 73.34 crores has been prepared. The proposal will be sent to the government soon, said ZP CEO Dr K N Vijayprakash at the DK ZP Project Committee meeting held at Netravati Hall in ZP on Tuesday.

The bore wells, which are 500 feet deep, have shortage of water. In case more importance is given to multi-village drinking water scheme and vented dam construction, the water crisis can be sorted out. The ZP Engineering department officials should work toward this, said the CEO.

Responding to this ZP Executive Engineer Sathyanarayan said that six projects in Bantwal taluk have received permission. A proposal for Alike drinking water project has been submitted, he said.

ZP Member Santosh Kumar Rai Boliyur said that the water shortage in the district is severe. The Multi-village scheme has to be kicked off soon.

No playgrounds

As many as 118 schools in Dakshina Kannda district lack playgrounds and 523 schools lack compound walls said Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Project Officer Shivaprakash.

As many as 1,210 classrooms in the district need minor repairs and 714 need major repairs. In case SSA receives a fund of Rs three crore, it can take up the repair work, he said and added that it is better to repair the buildings than demolishing them. The SSA can take up repairs in case the school authorities attest that the school is 15 years old, he said.

ZP Memebr Santosh Kumar Boliyur said that all primary schools should compulsorily have compound walls as it adds to the safety of the children. Let SSA prepare an Action Plan regarding the funds it needs, he advised. Responding to this DK ZP CEO Dr K N Vijayprakash said that all schools should have playgrounds and compound walls. The work can be taken up under the MGNREGS scheme. The Gram Panchayat Officials have to pay special attention to this, he said.

Toilet construction

All houses in Dakshina Kannada district will have toilets by March 31, assured the Executive Officers of five Taluk Panchayats. Irritated by assurances, the CEO said that previously the EOs had promised to finish the work by December 31. However, looking at the course of work it looks like the EOs are planning to extend the deadline, he said and added that disciplinary actions will be taken in case the procrastination attitude continues.

“Ask the Gram Panchayat Project Development Officials to take up the work at the local level. Along with construction of toilets measures have to be taken to see to it that they are maintained well. There is a need to maintain hygiene especially in the Government school toilets. The School Head Teachers along with SDMC should look into this,” advised the CEO.

Demolishing hostel

The MCC has given permission to demolish the Post Metric Hostel at Urwa Wellspete, which is in a poor state. Before demolishing the hostel, the experts from NITK have to submit a report along with the sketch of the building. The building will be demolished through the Nimriti Kendra, said District Social Welfare Officer Arun Furtado.

He also informed that a district-level workshop will be held giving information regarding the provisions in education and health department.

There was also a complaint from the Education Standing committee President that the Potholes in Mudabidri area have not been filled. Responding to this the officials concerned replied that the work of filling the potholes has started.