The Hindu     16.08.2012

People urged to harvest rainwater

Textiles Minister R. Varthur Prakash on Wednesday appealed to the people of Kolar district to harvest rainwater to address water problems in the region.

The government was spending several crores of rupees to mitigate drinking water problem, but people’s cooperation was required to effectively tackle the issue, Mr. Prakash said.

He was speaking after hoisting the tricolour at Sir M. Visvesvaraya District Stadium here during the Independence Day celebrations. Priority had been accorded to provide drinking water in the drought-prone district, said Mr. Prakash, who is also Kolar district in-charge Minister. Kolar had the potential of becoming a satellite town of Bangalore in view of the implementation of various development projects, including setting up of industrial areas, in the district, the Minister said. Kolar’s proximity to Bangalore would also work in its favour, he added.

Kolar Zilla Panchayat president N. Manjula, vice-president D.V. Harish, Kolar City Municipal Council president Nazia, Deputy Commissioner D.S. Vishwanath, Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat P. Rajendra Cholan and Superintendent of Police Ram Nivas Sepat were among those who participated in celebrations. Schoolchildren presented colourful cultural programmes.