Uninformed on water supply projects, say Udupi ZP members

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 30, 2016 Udupi Zilla Panchayat meeting, on Nov 29, Tuesday, witnessed heated discussions on the action plan formulated for drinking water projects as impending threat of water scarcity is looming high. 

Raising the issue, member Janardhan Thonse said the water scarcity already exists in some areas of Kalyanpura and water is being supplied through tankers. He complained that the action plan concerning the water supply project has been designed without taking the zilla panchayat members into confidence. The zilla panchayat members are uninformed and kept in dark totally in the process, totally clueless over the projects that are taken up in their respective areas.

Standing Committee member Babu Shetty joined Thonse and said the officials behave irresponsibly and try overruling the elected representatives. The officials do not offer information when inquired.  Member Prathap Hegde Marali said the powers of zilla panchayat members are being snatched away one by one. The power to take decision in the 14th Finance Commission has also been taken away, he said. The members urged to specify the role played by the zilla panchayat members in the decision making process.

The rural water supply executive engineer said 300 water supply projects have been taken up on priority in 2016-17 action plan. Chief Executive Officer Priyanka Mary Francis said there is a requirement for at least Rs 26 crore for completion of drinking water projects.

Member Gowri Devadiga said there has been bias in allocation of funds to constituencies. Member Geethanjali Suvarna objected to the unavailability of facilities assured under Harish Santhvana scheme for accident victims. She said the medical and para medical staffs in KMC, Manipal, treat the patients carelessly when approached.

Thonse demanded an explanation on the number of applications received under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. An officer concerned said as many as 1,036 applications have been received in Kundapur, 981 in Karkala and 980 in Udupi. Tender process is underway and at least six months is required for the completion of projects, he added.

Responding to a query, Udupi Taluk Panchayat executive officer said notice has been served to a fish processing unit that has been functioning without license in Kukkade village in Haradi. The members also demanded for two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Kemmannu Kodibengre owing to the vast population in the area. Member Jyothi Harish complained that the Hebri PHC has been dysfunctional and the doctor appointed remains always absent. She said there is no proper supply of medicine and demanded closing of PHC as it is of no use to the public.