Meet water crisis head-on: Official

Water woes

District-in-charge secretary Gopala Krishnegowda directed the officials to pull up their socks and make necessary preparations to tackle the drinking water problems in the district that would arise in summer.

Speaking at the progress review meeting at zilla panchayat auditorium in Mandya on Tuesday, he said the earlier the precautions it will be better to solve the issue, especially if the monsoon fails.

Desilting

He said that desilting of lakes and tanks are in progress to improve their storage capacity. Desilting works becomes difficult during rainy season and  instructed the zilla panchayat CEO to expedite the works. Gowda also suggested the officials to utilise the available funds before March and complete the ongoing works at a brisk pace.

ZP chief executive officer Jayaram said that funds amounting to Rs seven crore under disaster relief fund and others released by the department of rural development would be used in case the drinking water projects are met with any obstacles.

Committee

A committee has been formed comprising tahsildar, panchayat raj development officer and executive officer. The committee would identify the problems like need of motor pumps, valve problems, need of borewells, coming under gram panchayat limits and bring it to the notice of the officials concerned.

Joint director of Horticulture Sangaiah, deputy director of animal husbandry Narasimhamurthy and other officials explained the progress of their departments.

Additional deputy commissioner P C Jayanna, ZP president Shivanna, vice president Komala and others were present. Grievances like not utilising Rs 16 lakh released to purchase equipment to hospital despite the financial year coming to an end, misuse of funds SC/ST funds and others were also put forth in the meeting.