In order to mitigate drinking water problem during this summer, the Zilla Panchayat has initiated several elaborate measures. In fact, the government has released Rs 60 lakh for taking up work on priority basis based on the recommendations of the Task Force members.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr K N Vijayaprakash said that the circular from Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department has asked all the Zilla Panchayat departments to handle the problem pertaining to scarcity of water in a pro active manner.
Accordingly, helplines have been opened in all the taluk panchayats, so that any complaint related to drinking water problem can be communicated with the officials concerned. They are, Bantwal—08255-23339, Mangalore—0824-2423650, Belthangady—08256-232026, Puttur—08251-2322361 and Sullia—08257-230336.
“As soon as taluk panchayat receives any complaint on scarcity of water, then the engineers should visit the spot and prepare a detailed report within 24 hours. The matter should be discussed with the Task Force Chairman and find solution to the problem immediately,” he said.
The Zilla Panchayat has already submitted an action plan of Rs 123.9 lakh to the government to release funds immediately and to take up immediate work to supply drinking water. In fact, the Zilla Panchayat had taken up 1,442 works of different nature in connection with the drinking water supply in Dakshina Kannada during 2011-12. This also includes Malavoor and Kinnigoli multi-village drinking water scheme. The work on the scheme is under progress, he added.
The circular from Rural Development and Panchayat Raj has asked the Zilla panchayat to use the funds released for the Task Force on priority basis, based on the recommendations of the Task Force Chairman.
Accordingly, each Assembly constituency will get Rs 8.57 lakh. The funds can be used for making arrangement for immediate water supply, repairing of borwells and installing pumpsets among others.
The CEO said that the drilling of borewells will be allowed only under inevitable situation, on the guidance of officials from department of geology.
However, the Zilla Panchayat will give major thrust on multi-village water schemes. The State government has recently approved six more multi-village water supply projects for Dakshina Kannada.
The six projects approved recently would provide water to 54 habitations of Bantwal taluk. Water from the Nethravati would be lifted for the purpose.
The CEO said the Zilla Panchahayat engineering division is ready with the action plan for 30 multi-village water schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 446 crore. These schemes will cover 176 villages. The proposal will be submitted to the government, for approval.
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