Bantwal
Strong criticism was raised over irregularities in the implementation of drinking water schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, during a review meeting chaired by MLA Rajesh Naik. He warned that officials would be held accountable if the schemes failed to benefit the public.
The meeting was held at the SJSRY hall of the taluk panchayat in BC Road, where panchayat administrators, PDOs, engineers, and other officials participated. The MLA sought detailed reports on the progress and functioning of drinking water projects across all gram panchayats in the constituency.
Several panchayat officials highlighted ongoing water supply issues in multiple villages despite the implementation of JJM and multi-village drinking water schemes. Problems such as pipeline damage due to highway works, drying borewells, irregular supply cycles, and reliance on water tankers were reported from different areas.
Officials from the engineering department attributed some disruptions to technical issues and power fluctuations. However, data presented by the electricity department indicated limited power cuts, prompting further discussion on operational inefficiencies.
MLA Rajesh Naik directed that ensuring drinking water supply must be treated as the top priority. He instructed officials to resolve inter-departmental coordination issues and ensure uninterrupted water delivery to affected areas.
He also emphasized the importance of rainwater harvesting in borewell installations and ordered strict enforcement measures if guidelines are not followed within a stipulated time. He further instructed officials to prepare for the monsoon by clearing drains, removing silt, and inspecting weak structures, especially schools and anganwadi centres.
The meeting concluded with directions to improve coordination among departments to address the persistent drinking water challenges in the region.