Officials told to speed up Nagaroththana project works in Ballari

Municipal Administration and Haj Minister Rahim Khan instructed officials to complete all pending works under the Nagaroththana Phase 4 project in Ballari district within the stipulated time, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards.

Chairing a district-level review meeting of urban local bodies at the new district administrative complex in Ballari on Thursday, the Minister noted that ₹68 crore has been released for various works under Phase 4, of which ₹31 crore has been spent so far.

Planning Director of Urban Development Cell B. Abdul Rehman told the meeting that out of the 104 approved works under Phase 4, 38 have been completed, 45 are under progress and proposals have been submitted for the release of funds for 34 works.

He also noted that 22 works are yet to begin, with tenders under way for four of them.

Mr. Khan reminded officials that the Chief Minister had specifically directed that pending works be completed before seeking new funds.

“All projects must be completed within three months. Contractors should not be required to run from pillar to post for the release of funds. Engineers must hold review meetings and submit clear progress reports,” he emphasised.

The Minister also instructed local bodies to meet revenue collection targets for property tax, water charges, shop rent, and trade licences. Special emphasis, he said, must be placed on maintaining urban cleanliness, implementing scientific solid waste management, and ensuring proper upkeep of public toilets.

Deputy Commissioner Prashanth Kumar Mishra informed the meeting that priority was being given to supplying safe drinking water across municipal, town panchayat, and even gram panchayat limits.

“Preventive measures were being taken to ensure sewage or other contaminated water does not enter pipelines. Overhead tanks are cleaned every six months, with water samples tested before supply. The Tungabhadra reservoir remains the main source of drinking water for the region,” he said.

On housing for pourakarmikas, the DC directed local body chiefs to identify and submit proposals for residential sites under the Pourakarmika Grihabhagya Scheme. The Minister also stressed the need to maintain high hygiene standards at Indira Canteens while ensuring that food quality matches government specifications.

Progress in issuing e-khata documents was also reviewed, with Mr. Khan urging speedy processing and early resolution of any related disputes. He also reviewed ongoing works under the 24x7 drinking water supply scheme and underground drainage (UGD) projects, giving specific instructions for timely completion.

The meeting was attended by Additional DC Mohammed Zubair N., Deputy Conservator of Forests K.N. Basavaraj, the Minister’s private secretary Muralidhar, chief officers of various urban local bodies, engineers, and other senior officials.