Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jan 12: District in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has called for a comprehensive report on the progress of Jalajeevan Mission works in three stages. Responding to allegations of delays and substandard work during the trimonthly meeting of KDP at the district panchayat auditorium, the minister emphasized the need to identify the locations where water supply has commenced.

Zilla panchayat chief executive, Dr Anand, provided an update on the ongoing work, revealing that 458 projects in the first stage had been completed at a cost of Rs 125.68 crore. He further stated that out of 134 projects in the second stage, 32 were completed, and 102 were in progress. Similarly, in the third stage, 11 out of 108 projects were completed, and 97 were in progress.

Nominated member, Melwin D’Souza, raised concerns about the construction of overhead tanks at Adyar and Neermarga, citing deviations from the estimates and issues with pipeline connections.

MLA Harish Poonja questioned whether the planned overhead tanks had been constructed and pressed for information on water supply commencement from the completed 458 works. The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the works and emphasized the need for corrective measures, stating that surprise checks would be conducted.

Additionally, MLC Dr Manjunath Bhandary and MLA Harish Poonja highlighted concerns about the installation of slabs at mini dams, with 447 such dams constructed in the district. The official responded, citing an estimate of Rs 3 crore for the maintenance of 297 dams.