Minister Kharge orders urgent drinking water action

Kalaburagi

A cabinet sub-committee has discussed key measures to address the district's growing drinking water issues. District in-charge and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge said all related departments have been instructed and guidelines have been set to handle the situation.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said that instructions have been given to hire private borewells, dig new ones, and supply water through tankers. “Drinking water will be prioritised, followed by agricultural use,” he said. The government has also urged the Chief Minister to hold talks with Maharashtra regarding water sharing.

Kharge mentioned that although the Chief Minister has written to Maharashtra seeking Krishna River water, they are still waiting for official details about dam levels. He clarified, “Water was released to Tamil Nadu only as per Supreme Court orders.”

On political issues, Kharge said BJP’s Basanagowda Patil Yatnal not joining Congress was due to “ideological differences.” He criticised BJP MLAs for disrespecting the Speaker and said, “Such acts deserve suspension for one year.”

Calling BJP’s Janakrosha Yatra a “fraud”, he demanded clarity on central funds. On Jaljeevan Mission, he said only Rs 517 crore of the Rs 3,200 crore sanctioned was released. The Centre will release more funds in the next fiscal based on current fund usage.

He dismissed JD(S) not attending the Yatra as unimportant and said Karnataka is the second-highest contributor in GST and income tax, giving Rs 4.5 lakh crore annually to the Centre.