DC says Rs 17 cr released to solve water crisis here
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, April 7, 2017: DK DC Dr K G Jagadeesha on April 6, Thursday said the district administration has released Rs 17 crore towards permanent works to ensure better drinking water supply.
The DK DC was responding to the measures mooted by District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai during the Karnataka Development Programmes (KDP) progress review meeting at Netravati Auditorium of Zilla Panchayat.
The DC said, " Funds released under the dedicated task force includes Rs 9.7 crore for rural areas and Rs 7 crore for urban areas. Permanent works include deepening of the existing borewell points and restoration of the defunct points. There is no dearth of funds in this regard, Rs 40 lakh each has been sanctioned for Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks, while Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned for other taluks in the district."
No pvt tankers
The DC directed officials to supply water in tankers, utilising the available fund and also take private borewells on rent to ensure adequate supply but also told them to ensure private tanker owners do not cash in on the situation. Most importantly, the demand for water from elevated areas should be addressed on priority, he added.
Earlier, ZP deputy secretary N R Umesh informed that a proposal for Rs 22 crore has been submitted to the government to take up works in drought-hit taluks, followed by Rs 15 crore for rejuvenation of lakes and Rs 9.5 crore under the taskforce.
Taking cognisance of the situation, the DC has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for each of the taluk panchayats, while works worth Rs 60 lakh will be taken up as instructed by the DC.
The officer said water is supplied through tankers at 12 villages in Mangaluru taluk, where private borewells are already identified as a precautionary measure to keep the supply intact. Measures are in place to redress the grievances within 24 hours.
ULB limits
Urban Development Cell project director Prasanna said, "While water is supplied through tankers at one ward in Puttur, while the situation at Mulki, Kotekar and Vittal remains grim."
MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer reiterated that the water rationing has helped in mitigating the crisis, with revision in water rationing. In the changed system, water is being supplied for three days and stopped for two days till the situation eases. It will be sufficient to cater to the demand till June 5.
Flyover at Pumpwell: June 15 deadline
DC Dr K G Jagadeesha has set a deadline of June 15 for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to complete the ongoing works on National Highway 66.
The DC categorically told the site engineer of NHAI Ajith that the Pumpwell Circle flyover and other works should be completed in time, as the stretch at Pumpwell will turn into a deluge during monsoon.
|Water from Lakya dam soon
In what may improve supply of drinking water in MCC limits, efforts to bring water from Lakya dam at Kudremukh in Chikkamagaluru district has materialised.
MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said in the KDP progress review meeting on Thursday, "While the issue is in the court, the authorities concerned have temporarily agreed to draw water from the dam. If the water is received, it will help in catering to the demand of 12 wards."
Smart City: special purpose vehicle yet to come:
Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer has said that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for works under Smart City is in its final stage.
Replying to a query of District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai, Nazeer said that the registration of the SPV according to the Corporate Companies Act is in its final stage. Once the SPV is constituted, a board meeting should be conducted within a month.
Regarding the time required to launch the works, the Commissioner said that it may take another four months with the project management consultant being finalised.
The work order will be issued once the SPV is formed, Nazeer added.