Date:31/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/31/stories/2005013102430500.htm

Karnataka

Concern over drinking water scarcity

By Our Staff Correspondent

TUMKUR, JAN. 30. Members of Koratagere Taluk Panchayat have expressed concern at the deepening drinking water crisis in the taluk.

Participating in a discussion on the subject at the panchayat's general body meeting on Saturday, the members said the Government recently entrusted the responsibility of providing drinking water to gram panchayats, which did not have the financial strength, manpower or technical capability to handle the job.

Hanumanthaiah, member, and Karibasavaiah, president of Holavanahalli gram panchayat, were enraged at a statement of the panchayat's executive officer, P.B. Kenchappa, that once the job is entrusted to gram panchayats, "it is their obligation to provide service."

C. Channigappa, Minister for Sericulture and Tumkur District in-charge Minister (who represents Koratagere in the Assembly), intervened and pacified the members. Mr. Channigappa said the Government has been seized of the matter.

Empowerment of gram panchayats with necessary funds and technical staff is being considered.

Special task forces are being formed at State, district, and taluk levels to monitor supply of drinking water to villages, Mr. Channigappa said.