Yashodhara V Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Aug 11: Devaragudde area within Iruvail gram panchayat limits near here has not been getting water supply from the panchayat since the last about two months. Over  80 families are facing a critical situation as a result. Residents of Devaragudde in Iruvail, frustrated at this never ending ordeal, laid siege to the gram panchayat office on Thursday August 10, and took to task panchayat president, panchayat development officer, and president of water supply committee.

Panchayat member, Shivappa Sanil, speaking to media persons, accused the president of water supply committee of failing to  respond to the needs of the people, thereby giving rise to untold miseries for the people of Deveragudde. He said that as per a decision taken by the panchayat in the past, president of water committee is changed annually, but this president has not yet been replaced for long. "People who are starving for water have mobbed the panchayat office as they are badly affected. Gram panchayat president and panchayat development officer should take this matter seriously and ensure that people get  justice," he urged.

Former president of the panchayat, Janaki, member, Jayaram Bangera, former member, Kumar, Anand Poojary, Sheena Naik, Dayanand Poojary, Prashanth Amin and other villagers severely criticized panchayat president, Naveena,  president of water committee, Valerian Cutinha, and panchayat development officer, Yashwant, for their failure.  The president and panchayat development officer said that the villagers need not pay water bill for two months, and that their demand will be included in the action plan, and the same will be met immediately after grant is sanctioned.