State govt. focus is on drinking water supply, says Yathindra
With the State staring at a potential drought following deficient rainfall, the government has intensified its preparedness, placing the highest priority on ensuring an uninterrupted
With the State staring at a potential drought following deficient rainfall, the government has intensified its preparedness, placing the highest priority on ensuring an uninterrupted supply of drinking water, Urban Development Minister Yathindra has said. Addressing presspersons in Kalaburagi on Monday, Mr. Yathindra said that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is closely monitoring the evolving situation through regular reviews with departments and district administrations. The district in-charge Ministers have also had field assessments and directed officials to drill borewells in areas facing drinking water scarcity, he said.
“The State government is fully prepared to respond to the drought situation. Drinking water remains our foremost priority and officials have been instructed to initiate immediate relief measures wherever shortages are reported,” he said. As part of its drought mitigation strategy, the State government has sanctioned ₹1 crore for each Assembly constituency to support relief and contingency measures. The funds will help address immediate requirements and improve preparedness if dry conditions persist, he added.
Referring to the delayed underground drainage works in Kalaburagi, Mr. Yathindra admitted that the project has not been completed within the expected timeline. Responding to questions on the long-awaited expansion of the State Cabinet, the Minister said that the decision lies with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) which will take a decision at an appropriate time. On the controversy surrounding the proposed Kambala (buffalo race) event as part of Dasara celebrations this year, Mr. Yathindra said that showcasing the State’s rich cultural and sporting traditions is a positive initiative.
At the same time, he stressed that felling trees for such events is unacceptable and promised that measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The BriefWire