Rs 23 crore likely to be released for drinking water: DC

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah has said that a proposal has been submitted to the government, seeking Rs 23 crore for the supply of drinking water in the district.

The funds are likely to be released soon, said the officer.

Addressing reporters here, Srirangaiah said that he has requested the commissioner of the Rural Drinking Water Supply Department to release the funds as soon as possible.

"Gram Panchayats have been told to utilise the grants under the 14th Finance Commission towards the procurement and supply of drinking water. The water available in the borewells could be utilised well. Water could be drawn from private borewells on rental bases," said the deputy commissioner.

"The groundwater level has dropped to a great extent in Kadur taluk and the borewells have dried up. The problem of water shortage is encountered in plane regions of Kadur and Tarikere taluks, along with some places in Chikkamagaluru taluk. Water is being supplied through tankers as per the requirement," he assured.

Mathru Poorna

He further said that the demand for supply of nutritious food to the doorsteps of the beneficiaries of Mathru Poorna scheme is under consideration. The topic has also been discussed at a meeting convened by the Women and Child Welfare Minister.

Srirangaiah said that the compensation will be paid to the evacuees of the Kudremukh National Park. "A meeting was held in this regard on January 20. There are some hurdles to provide compensation to eight to ten families due to differences of opinion between the officers of the Department of Horticulture and farmers. The issue will be resolved soon," he added.

Stating that awareness is being created on enrolment for the voters' list in the district, the deputy commissioner, who is also the district election officer, said that debates, essay competition and other events on the theme of voting are conducted in schools and colleges. Voters' Day will be held on January 25, he said and added that enrolment into the voters' list is a continuous process.