Act now to avert summer water crisis, says Minister

With summer setting in and water sources beginning to shrink, Minister in-charge of Chamarajanagar district K. Venkatesh has issued strict directions to officials to take urgent measures to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply across the district.

Presiding over a review meeting at Nagamale Bhavan in Male Mahadeshwara hills in Hanur taluk, the Minister asserted that no village should face a drinking water shortage during the summer months.

Stressing that the responsibility lies with the administration, he directed officials to prioritise identified problem villages and arrange water supply through alternative means, including private borewells and tanker services wherever necessary. “Adequate water must also be ensured for domestic use,” he added.

The Minister instructed Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to conduct field visits to assess ground realities and respond proactively. “In areas with sufficient groundwater, borewells should be deepened to improve supply. Ongoing drinking water projects must be completed without delay,” he said.

He also called for expediting works under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme to strengthen drinking water infrastructure in Chamarajanagar town and other urban centres.

Hanur MLA M. R. Manjunath told the meeting that water scarcity in parts of Hanur was severe and sought ₹1.90 crore to execute pending drinking water works. He also urged that electricity projects in forest-fringe villages should proceed without hurdles from the Forest Department.

On fodder availability for livestock, the Minister directed officials to ensure adequate stocking to prevent shortages in summer and asked the administration to provide sufficient power supply to farmers based on demand.

Deputy Commissioner Shreerupa emphasised preventive measures against forest fires and other summer-related disasters, calling for preparedness among field staff and fire services personnel.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mona Roat said funds under the 15th Finance Commission should be effectively utilised to address drinking water issues, especially during the peak summer months.

Senior district and taluk-level officials from various departments were present.