Officials told to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply

Caption: District minister Santosh Lad reviews the progress of works under the Karnataka Development Programme at Dharwad on Monday. (TOI)Dharwad: Dharwad district officials have been directed to ensure no village or town in the district faces drinking water shortages. Officials stated that drinking water is currently being supplied through 17 borewells across 15 villages in different taluks, and district minister Santosh Lad instructed officials to take immediate action to prevent any inconvenience to the public.Highlighting the onset of the pre-monsoon season, Lad stressed the need to ensure timely supply of seeds and fertilizers to farmers, and instructed agriculture department to distribute inputs systematically to avoid shortages during the sowing season. He also directed APMC to prepare proposals for infrastructure improvements, and noted that special grants will be sought if necessary. Delay in payments to farmers were also flagged, with directions to release dues promptly. Lad said Jal Jeevan scheme is progressing slowly, despite repeated warnings. A penalty of Rs 30 crore has been imposed on the company for delay. Steps are being taken to supply drinking water to 28 villages by end of May. The project aims to cover all villages in the district by March 2027.In Hubballi-Dharwad, a 43 MLD drinking water supply project has been initiated. Water will be supplied to all wards once every four to five days by May 10. Officials were instructed to expedite the work. MLAs demanded setting up temporary bus stands, improving basic amenities, and constructing connecting roads in rural areas. Officials were directed to examine these requests and take necessary action at the earliest.DC Snehal R explained the measures initiated by the district administration to implement and monitor the works in the district.