The Hindu         01.02.2011

Ruckus in council over water supply

The issue of irregular water supply to several wards of the Hubli Dharwad Municipal Corporation council again rocked the monthly general body meeting here on Monday.

The topic has been raised in several council meetings in the past.

However, with no remedial measures being taken by officials, Leader of the Opposition Ganesh Tagargunti raised the issue again during Zero Hour.

Mayor Venkatesh Mestri was reluctant to allow a discussion on the issue, and this angered the Opposition Congress members. They rushed to the well of the House and staged a dharna demanding a discussion on the issue.

They claimed that the ruling party had promised residents of the twin cities supply of water once in three days, while the reality was that citizens were getting water only once a week.

Finally, the Mayor allowed a discussion.

Permanent solution

Initiating the discussion, Mr. Tagargunti noted that despite assurances by officials that water supply would improve by the end of 2010, there had been no significant change in the situation. He demanded a permanent solution to the problem.

BJP member Ashok Jadhav took officials of the water board to task. The erratic transfer of valvemen had affected the supply cycle, he claimed.

Janata Dal (Secular) member Altaf Kittur complained of “negligence” towards the Old Hubli area, where water was supplied once in eight days. Besides, water was being wasted because of the negligence of the valvemen, he alleged.

Other members, including Deepak Chinchore (Congress), came down on the officials. The explanation given by the water board officials didn't convince them.

The heated debate finally concluded with Mr. Mestri directing the water board Executive Engineer Jayaram to ensure water once in five days during summer.