The government is taking a tough stand against open borewells in the State. T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, has said engineers of the department will be made to pay from their pockets if borewells are drilled without the approval of geologists.
Chairing the review meeting of drinking water schemes of the district here, he said department officials must obtain certification from geologists of the Mines and Geology Department before sinking the borewell for drinking water purposes.
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He directed tahsildars to conduct a survey of the borewells in their respective taluks, and make sure that dry borewells are sealed as per the order of the Supreme Court.
He said officials must ensure that new borewells are drilled strictly adhering to the new guidelines of the government.
“The public should be made aware that such borewells must be sealed to prevent children from falling in,” Mr. Bhaskar said.
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He advised officials to look for lasting solutions to the drinking water problem instead of temporary ones.
“Providing water through tankers during emergencies is acceptable, however, that should not be the only effort as it is not a permanent solution. Try to come up with better alternatives to address the problem,” Mr. Bhaskar said.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K.B. Shivakumar and officials of various departments were present.