ZP members flay govt for not earmarking fund for ZP roads

'` 50 cr released for developing roads have been set aside for PWD roads'

BJP members in the Zilla Panchayat flayed the move of the government to earmark funds for the PWD roads and not for the Zilla Panchayat roads. 

The government had released Rs 50 crore for the development of roads in Kodagu district. However, the funds have been earmarked only for the development of PWD roads.

The district has 1,500 km-long PWD roads. The government should have earmarked funds for the development of 4,600 km-long ZP roads in the district. 

Raising the issue, ZP member Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa said heavy rain has taken a toll on the ZP roads in the district. The roads have not been repaired. 

The ZP President said that a resolution demanding setting aside of Rs 30 crore to the  ZP roads will be sent to the State government.

Zilla Panchayat Vice President Usha Devamma accuised the previous  District-in-Charge Minister of neglecting ZP roads. 

She said “ the PWD roads get funds from KRDCL and other projects. However, ZP roads do not get funds from the government. Hence, the decision of the previous BJP government to earmark Rs 30 crore to ZP roads and Rs 20 crore to PWD roads should be implemented.” 

Congress member Saritha Punaccha accused the MLA of transferring Rs 50 lakh from ZP grant to MLALAD. Reacting to it,  all the BJP members opposed her. 

Member H M Kaveri said that a few individuals have encroached paisari land identified to be distributed among SC/ST beneficiaries, at Hosakote in Bilugunda Gram Panchayat. To which, officer from Social Welfare department said that action will be initiated after probing the incident. 

DHO Dr Srirangappa said that vigilance squad from health department had visited the district to probe into a complaint on illegality in connection with the purchase of medical equipment and renovation of DHO’s office.