08-05-2025
Yaduveer directs engineers to complete Jal Jeevan works by end of June
MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Thursday said the works undertaken under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) should be completed by the end of June.
He directed engineers concerned during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting that he presided over at the zilla panchayat hall.
He said that the government's objective under the JJM is to provide tap water to every household. Understanding the seriousness of this goal, officials must expedite the remaining works, he said.
Mr. Yaduveer pointed out that the JJM is a flagship scheme of the Central government, aiming to provide clean drinking water to every household. He suggested regular site inspections of ongoing projects.
M.P. Suja Kushalappa, MLC, also highlighted the need to complete the JJM works in various areas like Chembebellur and ensure clean drinking water is provided. He expressed dissatisfaction that even after repeated mentions, the works remain incomplete.
DISHA committee member Nagesh Kundalpadi emphasised effective implementation of the JJM, while Naveen Kumar added that coordination between officials and engineers is crucial for successful execution.
Zilla panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena explained that the project is being implemented in three phases, with funds already sanctioned for water supply. The CEO said a report will be submitted on locations facing issues under the JJM.
The committee member Kanti Satish stated that the Central government has released funds, and every household should receive drinking water.
Executive engineer Bhaskar from the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department detailed the progress. He said that of the 188 works that were undertaken in phase 1, 185 have been completed at an estimated cost of ₹13,517 lakh.
Similarly, of the 129 works, 85 have been completed in phase 2 at an estimated cost of ₹9,092 lakh. As many as 348 works have been completed out of the 457 works in phase 3, while 107 works were ongoing. In total, 774 works have been undertaken with ₹23,218 lakh being spent out of an estimated ₹35,869 lakh, he added.
Mr. Yaduveer expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in solid waste management works in Madikeri and demanded quicker action. Nagesh Kundalpadi questioned why forest and environmental department clearance was not obtained before starting work, despite the DISHA committee not meeting for months. He criticised the lack of willpower among officials. Naveen Kumar stressed the need to complete work within deadlines.
Mr. Yaduveer said regional offices in Bengaluru will be approached for necessary environmental approvals. Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja explained that tenders for solid waste management were floated five times with no bidders, and alternative arrangements were made in Virajpet and Kushalnagar.
At the meeting, BSNL engineers were directed to address demand for mobile towers and ensure uninterrupted internet access, especially in remote areas. Mr. Yaduveer insisted that land identification and proper permissions be handled by the BSNL officials.
Committee member Rakesh highlighted the lack of mobile network in many villages in Ponnampet taluk, such as Birunani, T. Shettigeri, B. Shettigeri, Hudikeri, Belur, and Koothi.
SP K. Ramarajan urged BSNL to ensure continuous internet connectivity even in remote villages. The MP also instructed the stocking of seeds and fertilisers to avoid a shortage during monsoon planting. The Joint Director of the Agriculture Department Chandrashekar said adequate stock of fertilisers such as urea, DAP, MOP, complex, and SSP has been prepared.
Naveen Kumar noted that paddy cultivation is declining in Kodagu, and farmers should be encouraged. He asked the Agriculture Department to promote its support programmes.