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Water Supply

Drinking water supply scheme for Arsikere approved

Friday, 21 May 2010 04:56 administrator
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The Hindu     21.05.2010

Drinking water supply scheme for Arsikere approved

Staff Correspondent

The project will draw water from Hemavathi

‘Agriculture Department officials will be directed to investigate adulteration of fertilizer'

‘State expects to sign deals worth Rs. 3-lakh crore at the Global Investors' Meet'

HASSAN: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has said the Government has approved a drinking water supply scheme worth Rs. 120 crore for Arsikere town with the Hemavathi as the source. Funds have been released and tenders will be finalised soon.

Mr. Yeddyurappa, who was on his way to Bangalore from Shimoga on Thursday, made a brief halt in Arsikere and addressed presspersons. Owing to the bad weather in Bangalore, the Chief Minister chose to travel by road instead of using a helicopter.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Government was aware of the need to provide drinking water under the Rs. 400-crore scheme to Halebidu and Madihalli hoblis, covering all 75 villages affected by fluoride content in water. Water would be drawn from Yagachi river for the scheme. He said that work had slowed down as the pipes had to be laid on rocky terrain.

The Chief Minister said he would instruct engineers to speed up the work. On the sale of adulterated complex fertilizer (where rangoli powder is mixed with fertilizer) in Hassan district, Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Government would take stringent action against distributors as well against the manufacturing company, if found guilty. He said that on reaching Bangalore, he would direct senior officials of the Agriculture Department to investigate the matter.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said he would not comment on the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's meeting with the Governor in Bangalore on Wednesday wherein he sought the disqualification of Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy from the Assembly and also the meeting of Congress leaders with the Governor. He said it was a plan by the Opposition parties to tarnish the Government's image.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said the State was expecting to sign deals worth Rs. 3-lakh crore at the Global Investors' Meet to be held in Bangalore on June 3 and 4. This would help develop infrastructure in all districts. President of the district BJP unit Sunder was present.

Last Updated on Friday, 21 May 2010 04:58
 

BWSSB in troubled waters

Thursday, 20 May 2010 09:49 administrator
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The New Indian Expres        20.05.2010

BWSSB in troubled waters

Express News Service

 

BANGALORE: Political affiliation and ward notwithstanding, corporators breathed fire over water problems in Bangalore.

A special meeting of the BBMP council was held on Wednesday to discuss water problems in the city.

The councillors were unanimous in saying that their wards were not getting sufficient water and that people were unhappy with the sewage system.

“All our happiness and enthusiasm of becoming the corporator is lost within one month,” said Vijnananagara councillor, Geetha. She blamed Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for their misery. Councillor of Peenya Industrial Estate, Thimnanjaiah, had brought two bottles of water to show how contaminated the groundwater is in his ward.

JD(S) floor leader, Padmanabha Reddy, said the BWSSB had announced that it would sink two borewells in every ward to augment water supply. Firstly, he said, no work has been taken even a month after the promise. Further, he asked how could two borewells suffice for the need of an entire ward. All the councillors wanted least 10 borewells for each ward.

They complained that valvemen and BWSSB officials demand bribe for water connection and other services. Also, they alleged that private water tankers engaged by BWSSB supplied water only to those who paid them. Former mayor, K Chandrashekar, wanted BWSSB to bring Krishna River water to the city. He said the government should explore the possibility of supplying 12 TMC water from Hogenakkal to the city.

Opposition leader, M Nagaraj, suggested BWSSB should pump water of Hemavathy River from Solur. He criticised the government for planning to set up an IT park in 2,000 acres in the Arkavathy catchment area.

Councillors wanted BWSSB to improve sewage system in their areas and lay new pipelines in the newlyadded areas. Yeshwanthpur councillor, Munirathnam, said he could solve the drinking water crisis in his ward if BBMP allowed him to dig the road for it.

Mayor S K Nataraj came to the meet 40 minutes after it started. Deputy Mayor, Dayanand, presided over in his absence. The meeting will continue on Thursday.

Last Updated on Thursday, 20 May 2010 09:51
 

Waste water at your own peril

Thursday, 20 May 2010 06:18 administrator
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Deccan Chronicle      20.05.2010

Waste water at your own peril

May 20th, 2010
DC Correspondent
 

May 19: In a city where water is scarce in many parts, wasting the precious commodity is nothing short of sinful. Now it will be criminal too. Anyone found wasting water or using a domestic connection for non-domestic purposes will in future invite a fine of Rs 5000 or six months imprisonment or both under the the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2009 which has received the Governor's assent.

BWSSB chairman P. B. Ramamurthy says while the act has come into effect, the board has not yet taken action against anyone under its provisions.

But it can do plenty if it wants as stealing water or getting water supply through an illegal connection and tampering with meters or damaging them to prevent accurate metering of water consumed can send people to prison for upto three years . Also, if anyone is found guilty of contaminating water, the board can cut off his or her water supply immediately.

Those letting their sewage into storm water drains meant for carrying rain water may find their sewerage lines disconnected and face a six month term in prison or a Rs 5000 penalty or both.

Hiring anyone other than a licensed plumber for work on a water connection can invite a fine of Rs 2000 or six months in prison or both. If the licensed plumber demands more than the charges prescribed, he will have pay a fine of Rs 1000 or spend six months in prison or both.

 
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