Minister asks Bagalkot officers to handle drought effectively

Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development and district in-charge M.B. Patil has asked officers to handle the shortage of rainfall and the drought situation in Bagalkot district effectively.

“In order to effectively manage the drought situation, officers of all departments should work in coordination with each other. All necessary precautionary measures should be taken to see that members of the public do not suffer any kind of trouble,” he said.

He was speaking at a monsoon preparedness and disaster management authority meeting at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Bagalkot on Tuesday.

“All precautionary measures should be taken to ensure that drinking water shortage does not arise in any village or town. The officials should continuously monitor the condition of water sources and if necessary, set up alternative water supply systems. There is no shortage of money for drought management. There is ₹12 crore in the account of the Deputy Commissioner,” he said.

He warned officers that will face strong action if they do not respond to distress calls from people.

“If the people call officials for any problem, including drinking water scarcity, their problems should be attended to immediately. Otherwise, the officials will face action,’’ he said.

“All drinking water supply works should be done with a humanitarian perspective. Officials should review multi-village drinking water projects at the village level and submit a report within a month. Officials should work responsibly. Irresponsibility will not be tolerated. The ultimate responsibility for drought management and supervision of officers lies with the Deputy Commissioner,” the Minister said.

He asked them to take necessary steps to ensure that there is no shortage of fodder for the cattle.

“You should establish fodder banks if necessary and coordinate with the Animal Husbandry Department. Farmers have already taken up sowing. Scientists have said that there is a possibility of rain by July 15. But then, if there is no rain, we should explore all alternatives,” Mr. Patil said.

“Water levels in various reservoirs have decreased. Officers have told me that enough water is available in some parts of the district till July 28 for drinking water supply. The Deputy Commissioner and the Zilla Panchayat CEO should instruct the officials to immediately identify and take over government and private sources of water like borewells and wells. Private borewells will be paid for water supply,” he said.

MLAs and officials gave inputs about drinking water scarcity in different taluks. The Minister said that all problems will be resolved on priority.

Rajya Sabha member Narayanasa Bhandage, MLAs J.T. Patil, Sidhu Savadi, R.B. Thimmapur, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, Bhimasen Chimmanakatti, Umesh Meti, State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation chairman S.G. Nanjayanamatth, BTDA chairman Prakash Tapashetti, Deputy Commissioner Sangappa, Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanana Bale, Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal, Deputy Conservator of Forests Swapnil Aheere, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ashok Teli and other officials were present.