JOIN USFour months into the financial year, Vani Vilas Water Works (VVWW) is yet to prepare an action plan for the projects it would take up this year. While there were several projects the civic body could take up, a lack of understanding between officials in the department has been the cause for the delay, say elected representatives.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shiva Kumar, member of Standing Committee on Town Planning and Development of Mysore City Corporation (MCC), criticised the delay in coming up with an action plan. “One of the works that required to be taken up on priority was the construction of a compound around the Central Storage Reservoir (CSR), at Vijayanagar, in the city. Despite threats of encroachment of land around CSR, officials are not interested in taking up the works,” he said.
While VVWW is eligible for grants under the 13th Finance Commission and the State Finance Commission to the tune of Rs two to three crore, depending on the action plan, and the amount was released to the MCC at the end of March, nothing has been done till date, he said.
Funds for works will be released only if the Deputy Commissioner approves the action plan proposed by a civic body. With engineers of VVWW delaying the proposal, funds are of no use, he alleged.
Misunderstanding
In a recent meeting of the Committee, the disagreement between Superintending Engineer Krishna and Executive Engineer of Vani Vilas Water Works S S Rajgopal came to the fore. While Rajgopal wanted estimates to be prepared for both road and a compound around CSR with the allotted funds, Krishna was of the opinion that construction of road was enough now. “Even preparing a plan has been kept pending because of the disagreement of officials. They should discuss issues amicably and work for the improvement of the city. Trading allegations and delaying works is not acceptable,” he said.
Apart from CSR works, VVWW should take up projects to improve main water supply lines and for the maintenance of storage reservoirs, he said.
When contacted, Rajgopal acknowledged that there has been a slight delay in preparing action plan for the current financial year. “Last year, we were allotted funds under the 13th Finance Commission and SFC. But, since water supply works have been outsourced to JUSCO, we do not take up such works. We, now have a plan ready for construction of compound wall around CSR,” he said.
On the disagreement between him and Krishna during the meeting, he said, the disagreement was since the Committee has instructed them to take up civil works.
Superintending Engineer Krishna said, there was no disagreement between him and the EE. “The delay in preparing an action plan is due to the shortage of personnel at VVWW,” he said.