Officers of the Panchayat Raj Department should immediately ensure residents of rural areas in the taluk get enough drinking water, or face action, warned N Sampangi.

Addressing a meeting at the Taluk Panchayat auditorium on Saturday on supply of water, the local MLA said as per the information provided the task force on water supply, 11 of 21 villages have been permitted connection of power lines as well as water pipelines. 

“The Government has declared Bagepalli as a drought-affected taluk. Lack of proper pre-monsoon showers has resulted in drying up of water tanks and also shortage of drinking water all over the taluk,” he said and stressed on the necessity to provide water supply immediately.

“Villages with water shortage should be identified and provided water supply. The Panchayat Raj Department has to pay the Bescom for proper electricity connection to borewells,” said Sampangi. 

He also instructed Ramesh Babu, assistant executive engineer of Bescom, to ensure power connection to borewells.

Basavaraju, assistant executive engineer of the district Panchayat Raj, said Gudipalli village in Patapalya Gram Panchayat has a pump motor. “Lack of enough and regular power supply, however, has prevented proper water supply to the village.”

Dr Venkatesh, assistant director of the Veterinary Department, said, “About six tons ragi grass have been collected in the Gantlamallamma valley of Patapalya. One cow is provided five kg of grass per day.”

‘No response’

Sampangi expressed dissatisfaction about the poor response of officers of various departments towards problems of the people.

“Zilla and taluk panchayat elected representatives try calling the department officers on their mobile phones to discuss problems in the rural areas. During work hours, the panchayat secretary and development officers switch off their phones or are not reachable. How will the panchayat officers learn of the problems then?” Sampangi asked.

T A Hanumantharaya, tahsildar, C S Jayaram, Taluk Panchayat executive officer, Shobha Rani TP president, and others were present.