The issues of lack of proper implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the K. Kasturirangan report on conservation of the Western Ghats dominated the general body meeting of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat on Saturday.
Ganapati Sriyan, member, said that the implementation of the scheme was lackadaisical in the district. In some cases, there was delay and other problems in the release of funds for the work done. M. Kanagavalli, CEO of the zilla panchayat, said that all efforts were being made to see that the funds for the work done were released on time. Manjunath Poojary, member, said that not just those villages, which had over 50 per cent forest area, but also those which had less than 50 per cent of forest area should be kept out of the purview of the K. Kasturirangan Panel’s Report on Conservation of Western Ghats.
Mamatha Shetty, member, said that 10 families in Shankarnarayana village were not getting water to drink as a rich and influential person was trying to prevent the setting up of a pipeline. The officials too were supporting the person. Ms. Kanagavalli said that action would be taken.
