The project to install 180 Reverse Osmosis Plants (ROP), estimated to cost Rs. 10 lakh for each plant, to provide potable drinking water to the villages suffering from arsenic contamination seems to be facing delays. Members of the Zilla Panchayat opposed the project stating that the amount of Rs. 5 lakh, which was earmarked for each plant, was inadequate. Hence, they demanded that tenders called be cancelled immediately.
The issue came up in the general body meeting which was presided over by Sharanamma Anand Sahukar, President of the ZP, to review progress of the works taken up in the district in Yadgir on Saturday.
Responding to members, Vikas Suralkar, Chief Executive Officer, said that he would send a letter to the government with the opinion of the members.
According to members, it is difficult to mobilise the remaining Rs. 5 lakh by the officials from local bodies as per government's norms. Therefore, the project would be hampered if taken up through tenders and the person to whom the work was sanctioned would not complete it effectively due to lack of funds. Hence, they demanded that the State government release the entire estimated cost for effective implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, Tata company has come forward to complete 69 plants, 50 in Yadgir taluk alone, at its own cost. The proposal is pending with the government.
Farmers' issue
As many as 19 farmers committed suicide in the district and compensation of Rs. 7 lakh was released, so far, to families of four farmers by the committee headed by Assistant Commissioner of Yadgir Sub-Divison, Chetana Patil, Joint Director of Agriculture Department, said.
The inquiry in three cases is in the final stage, FSL reports on eight incidents are awaited and four cases were rejected as they did not come under the purview of the guidelines issued by the government.
Mr. Suralkar asked the officials to ensure that compensation to the families of the farmers who committed suicide was released at the earliest.
Hanumegowda Markal, ZP Vice-President, and Mr. Suralkar directed the officials to complete the ongoing drinking water projects at the earliest when Shernik Kumar Dhoka, member of Saidapur, said that Anur (K) drinking water project under the multi-village scheme was not completed even a lapse of four years due to official apathy and demanded immediate action.
The district has been sanctioned three college hostels for boys, one each in Gurmitkal, Bheemarayanagudi in Shahapur taluk and Yadgir.
A proposal has already been sent to the Revenue Department to allot sites and project would be taken up once sites were allotted, official of the Social Welfare department informed the house. Works taken up by the other departments were also reviewed. Officials of the district level were present.
