ZP resolves to probe diversion of Rs 26 cr meant for water works

Zilla panchayat members resolved to probe into the utilisation of Rs 26 crore for pending works at zilla panchayat meeting here on Tuesday. The amount was released under various heads for taking up drinking water projects in the district. 

Zilla panchayat president B A Harish directed zilla panchayat chief executive officer Charulatha Somal to constitute a committee and look into the utilisation of funds for unscientific works, and completed works and submit a report.

Member M B Shivu Madappa asked, “Old pipelines have been replaced with new pipelines at Kutta at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh. What happened to the old pipelines. The officials had stated during review meeting chaired by District In-charge Minister that Rs 19 crore has been released for drinking water works. What was the need for utilising the amount for incomplete works.”

Citing an another example, he said works worth Rs 10 lakh was completed within two days. There is a need to probe into the reason for works pending for the last seven to eight years.

Bananda Prathyu said the officials have been misleading the members. Replying to it, Rural water supply department executive engineer Shashidhar said, “Rs 1.8 crore has been released to the deputy commissioner’s account to take up emergency drinking water works. A total of Rs 1.20 crore has been sanctioned to task force. The zilla panchayat did not receive any amount for works during the year. An amount of Rs 35 crore was sought for completing the pending works in Kodagu district. In the first phase, Rs 20 crore was released. Of the remaining Rs 15 crore, the government has released only Rs 6 crore.”

Zilla panchayat President Harish promised to get fund from the government to sink 25 borewells in each zilla panchayat constituency.

Agriculture department joint director K Ramappa said 199 hectare paddy in Madikeri, 4,105 hectare in Somwarpet and 4,127 hectare in Virajpet taluks have been damaged following drought in the district. Compensation for two hectare would be released per farmer. The state government has fixed Rs 6,800 as compensation for per hectare land.

Register borewells
The zilla panchayat president directed the officials to register the borewells sunk using the grant from the government.

Member Manjula said that three BPL cards have been issued to a house in Mullusoge gram panchayat. The house has car, bike and lorry and family members are government employees as well. Reacting to it, Food and Civil Supplies department Deputy Director Chandrakanth said he will examine the case.

The state government is likely to issue an order on distribution of BPL cards from next week, he said.