383 borewells to be sunk in Kolar district

Acute water scarcity declared in Kolar; more funds sought in budget

“In view of the severity of the situation, the officers have been directed to sink borewells without waiting for funds earmarked. While 276 borewells will be sunk in villages, 107 will be drilled in municipal limits,” Narayanswamy said in a special meeting here on Wednesday.

A report has been sought on the dried up borewells on the basis of which the chief minister will be requested to release more funds. More funds has been sought in the budget for the development of the district. A sum of Rs 10 crore has already been released, the Minister said.

Mekedatu project

Narayanaswamy disclosed that the World Bank has given in principle approval to Mekedatu project that would provide permanent irrigation to the district.

“The issue should have been discussed with Water Resources Minister and fund-seeking proposal set in motion by this time. However, the issue has been referred to Legal department to seek an opinion. The project, therefore, will not figure in the budget,” he said.

The Minister said Karnataka did not object when Tamil Nadu drew water from Hogenakkal and hoped there would not be any objection for the State utilising water. “The project, if implemented will see water flowing to Kolar from Ankekal, the constituency I represent,” he added.

Delegation to Delhi

The appeal made to Forest Department seeking clearance for the Yaragol project had not yielded any fruits and hence it had become inevitable to take a delegation to the Union government. The project supplies water to hundreds of villages in Banagarpet, Kolar and Malur taluks, he noted.

Referring to problems in hostels maintained by Social Welfare Department, Narayanaswamy said steps have been taken to ensure smooth supply of food grains. He said entry of unauthorised persons into hostels has been prevented with the introduction of biometric system.

11 booked for murder

Narayaswamy said FIR has been filed against 11 people and two arrested in connection with the murder of dalit leader Ramakrishnappa. A special team has been constituted to nab the rest of the assailants. The investigators have been asked to file a charge sheet in a month.

Legislator G K Venkatashiva Reddy, ZP president Manjula, vice-president G Somashekhar, CEO N Shanthappa, additional deputy commissioner N Babanna, superintendent of police Dr K Tyagarajan were present.

Tracking scarcity

*  276 borwells in rural areas
*  107 borwells in municipal limits
*  Deputy commissioner, zilla panchayat CEO empowered to release funds
*  Delegation to New Delhi on Yaragol project
*  Mekedatu project not to figure in the budget this year.