Karnataka Speaker UT Khader Directs Officials to Ensure Uninterrupted Drinking Water Supply
In a proactive move to address potential water scarcity, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader, who also represents the Mangaluru Assembly Constituency, has issued clear directives to officials to take all necessary precautions to guarantee a seamless supply of drinking water to the public. The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Tuesday, focused on the critical drinking water situation in his constituency as summer approaches.
Prioritizing Water Supply and Local Resolution
During the meeting, Khader emphasized that gram panchayats and urban local bodies must make drinking water supply their top priority during the summer months. He stressed that efforts should be intensified to ensure water is supplied without any interruptions, thereby preventing public inconvenience.
Khader urged officials to resolve local issues at the grassroots level, utilizing funds available from gram panchayats and urban local bodies. He also highlighted the importance of addressing public complaints promptly to maintain trust and efficiency in water management systems.
Jal Jeevan Mission Implementation
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Khader directed that connections be provided to all households without delay. He instructed that water from relevant sources must reach tanks constructed under this scheme to ensure a continuous and reliable water supply to residential areas. If necessary, water should be supplied via tankers to meet immediate needs, he added.
Furthermore, Khader mandated the installation of water meters in all houses currently lacking connections. He called for proper information gathering and consolidation on houses pending meter installation to propose additional funding to the government, ensuring comprehensive coverage under the mission.
Infrastructure and Coordination Efforts
Khader also addressed infrastructure concerns, stating that there should be no delays in providing electricity connections for drinking water projects. He emphasized that roads dug for pipe installation must be restored promptly to minimize public disruption.
He called for enhanced coordination among departments and corporations related to drinking water, urging them to work together seamlessly to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and ensure efficient service delivery.
Additional Insights from Officials
Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari contributed to the discussion by stating that drinking water project works should only be handed over to gram panchayats after full completion. He advised against pressuring for transfers before work is finished and noted that concerned contractors are responsible for maintaining the work for up to one year post-completion.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Mangaluru Urban Development chairman Sadashiva Ullal and project director G Santhosh Kumar, underscoring the collaborative effort to tackle water supply challenges in the region.
