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.
