Date:13/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/13/stories/2009011352830300.htm

Karnataka

‘Groundwater in 109 villages has high fluoride content’

Staff Correspondent

Taking stock: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shobha Karandlaje speaking at a review meeting in Bagalkot on Monday.

Bagalkot: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shobha Karandlaje has said that there is high content of fluoride in drinking water obtained from borewells and open wells in 109 villages of Bagalkot district. This may cause serious health hazards among people.

Speaking after the review meeting at zilla panchayat auditorium here on Monday, she said steps would be taken to supply water directly from tanks and rivers to these villages shortly.

The Government has plans to cover 1,000 more villages under the Suvarna Gram Yojana by the end January.

While some districts have already finalised the list of villages to be covered under the scheme and some districts are yet to finalise the lists.

Expressing dissatisfaction over implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), she said the total funds allocated for the scheme was Rs. 473 crore of which the State has utilised only Rs. 143 crore.

Workers have not shown interest in the scheme owing to low wages and more work, so it is proposed to increase the wages to Rs. 100 a day.

Construction of school buildings and playgrounds also will be taken up under the NREGS.

Officers concerned must take up works, make proper utilisation of funds and provide work to those who need it, she added.