Officials must discharge their duties efficiently and help farmers get government benefits, says Deputy Lokayukta B Veerappa.
Raichur
Deputy Lokayukta B Veerappa made a surprise inspection of the city’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) vegetable market on Thursday morning, responding to ongoing grievances from farmers and laborers about inadequate facilities. During the visit, he personally met traders, farmers, and workers, emphasizing that officials must perform their duties diligently. Veerappa directed the filing of two suo motu cases against APMC officials for failing to provide necessary amenities to laborers.
Following the market visit, the Deputy Lokayukta inspected the industrial area near Timex and other factories, where chemically contaminated water was flowing into the river. He criticized the Environment Department for its inaction and ordered the filing of a suo motu case against the department. Veerappa also instructed action against the Yadlapura Gram Panchayat PDO and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer.
He later examined wastewater discharge from the Agro Food factory, demanding environmental officials check the water and submit a detailed report by evening. The inspection was prompted by complaints of damage to paddy crops due to factory effluents.
Villagers reported that residents in surrounding areas are developing skin diseases due to polluted water from the factories. Deputy Lokayukta Veerappa ordered Chikkasugur PDO Sarojamma to visit the villages, assess the health impact, and submit a report by evening.
Veerappa stressed that all departments must act promptly to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, public health, and environmental standards, warning that negligence will not be tolerated.