All steps taken to effectively tackle drinking water crisis, says official

Out of the 127 dysfunctional water plants identified a couple of months ago, 77 have already been repaired and restored for operation, says Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandve.

​Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandve said that all necessary measures have been initiated to effectively tackle the drinking water crisis and maintain adequate fodder reserves for livestock across Yadgir district.

He said that there will be no delay in resolving water or fodder scarcity issues anywhere in the region.

​Addressing media persons in Yadgir on Thursday, Mr. Pandve, who also holds the additional charge of the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, stated that officials from the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department and the Panchayat Raj Department have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply of potable water to rural habitations.

​”There are no dearth of funds to manage the situation. We have ₹9 crore available in the Deputy Commissioner’s Personal Deposit account to address the drinking water crisis and carry out emergency works in accordance with State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. Contingency plans covering the drilling of new borewells, deepening of existing ones and laying pipelines have been finalized and officials have been directed to execute them strictly as per established guidelines,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

​Responding to queries regarding non-functional Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in rural areas, Mr. Pandve explained that repair work is under way.

Out of the 127 such dysfunctional plants identified a couple of months ago, 77 have already been repaired and restored for operation.

“As many as 30-40 units that have been damaged beyond repair will be completely replaced,” he added.

​On livestock feed availability, the Deputy Commissioner affirmed that the district currently holds sufficient fodder reserves for the next 38 weeks.

Fodder banks will be established if reserves dip to a critical four-week threshold. “I have also held preliminary discussions with the Deputy Commissioner of neighboring Raichur district to ensure swift inter-district supply during emergencies,” he noted.

​Outlining major district development initiatives, Mr. Pandve announced a ₹4.74 crore action plan to develop the Sanna Kere area attached to Lumbini Garden.

The proposed beautification project entails desilting the lake bed, constructing dedicated walking tracks and installing essential civic amenities. Once completed, the garden will be handed over to the Yadgir City Municipal Council for maintenance, he said.

​He also said that the Kalyan Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) has approved ₹7 crore for the rejuvenation and development of the historic Yadgir Fort and its surroundings by the Tourism Department.

A Detailed Project Report is being prepared to restore and highlight the historical significance of the monument which is connected with the rule of several prominent dynasties over the decades.

Reacting to the Yadgir bandh called by the various organisations, including the BJP, farmers association, pro-Kannada and Dalit units, demanding water for crops, the Deputy Commissioner said that the decision that was taken in the ICC meeting is being implemented.