KPRS, villagers stage protest with empty pots over drinking water crisis in Miriana

Activists of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), along with villagers of Miriana in Chincholi taluk of Kalaburagi district, staged a protest with empty pots in the village on Sunday against the authorities for failing to ensure adequate drinking water supply and basic civic amenities.

The protest, led by KPRS district president Sharanabasappa Mamshetti, highlighted the acute water scarcity faced by residents, particularly people in Indira Nagar locality who have been forced to struggle daily for drinking water during summer.

The agitators later submitted a memorandum to the Tahsildar of Chincholi, the Executive Officer of the Taluk Panchayat, the Taluk Health and Family Welfare Officer and the Executive Engineer of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, seeking immediate intervention.

Addressing the protesters, Mr. Mamshetti said that the situation has worsened due to the failure of the public water supply system.

“The motor-starter enabling drinking water supply has been lying defunct leaving villagers to wander with pots in search of water. Despite the repeated appeals, the authorities have not taken timely action,” he said.

The memorandum also raised concern over the suspension of monthly pension payments to elderly beneficiaries in the village.

“Senior citizens who depend entirely on pensions are being made to run from pillar to post. In this scorching heat, they are forced to visit offices without any resolution. The pending pensions must be released immediately,” he demanded.

The protesters also pointed out that the water purification unit at the Government Higher Primary School in the village has been non-functional, posing health risks to students. They urged the authorities to repair it without delay.

Serious allegations were also made regarding poor quality construction of the Primary Health Centre residential building. The memorandum said that though the work was completed four years ago, the building remains unfit for use while bills have already been cleared.

The protesters demanded a thorough inquiry and action against those responsible for the situation.

In addition, the KPRS accused implementing agencies of executing substandard works under the Jal Jeevan Mission stating that despite expenditure of public funds, the drinking water problem persists and several borewells in the village are defunct.

Mr. Mamshetti warned that if these issues are not addressed immediately, the agitation will be intensified in the coming days.