Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Jun 12: Officials in Bantwal Taluk must remain vigilant to prevent any loss of life due to rain and floods, and work as a team to avoid complaints from the public, instructed Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulippadyguthu.
Presiding over a rain disaster management committee meeting held at the SGSY Hall of Bantwal Taluk Panchayat on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of accurate reporting from lower-level officials. He stated that if there are errors in reports regarding rain damage or other incidents, the Tahsildar should review and take action. "It is not appropriate to halt beneficiary selection or benefits based on hearsay from a third party. Officials should not be intimidated by such blackmail," he remarked.
MLA Naik advised that safety measures should be taken for children in poorly maintained Anganwadi centers. If necessary, Anganwadi classes should be conducted in local government primary school rooms. In response to the CDPO’s claim that the education department does not permit relocating Anganwadi children to government primary schools, Naik stressed the importance of mental and intellectual development through integration. He warned that if the education department continues to obstruct, the concerned officer should set up an Anganwadi in their own home.
He also instructed the officials to stock up on necessary medications for treating venomous bites during the rainy season and to take stringent measures to prevent the spread of dengue and malaria. He highlighted the need for cleanliness in the Taluk and directed the Taluk Health Officer to maintain high standards of hygiene.
The horticulture officer reported recent damage to approximately 2.74 hectares of areca trees due to wind and rain. Naik stressed the importance of supporting the many locals who rely on agriculture for their livelihood and urged officials to study local conditions and support farmers within the legal framework.
Discussing preemptive measures, Naik advised Mescom officials to remove hazardous trees and to work jointly with local administrations.
Regarding the Jackwell project for water supply to Puttur from the Netravati River, Naik insisted that water should first be supplied to the local Gram Panchayat area and Narikombu villagers before being diverted to Puttur.
He also addressed the issue of waste disposal along certain roads within the municipality and instructed the chief officer to install warning signs and CCTV cameras. He suggested making photos of offenders viral on social media to deter further littering and to impose fines if necessary.
Naik directed the Gram Panchayats to prioritize cleanliness, manage waste disposal efficiently, and take action against those who litter.
He also addressed public complaints about the sale of marijuana near school and college campuses and local godowns, instructing the police inspector to monitor the situation closely and take legal action against offenders.
Tahsildar Archana Bhatt and Taluk Panchayat EO-in-charge Mahesh Hol were present during the meeting.
To address widespread public complaints about the lack of government buses for school children in the mornings and evenings, as well as insufficient rural bus services and irregularities on the Dharmasthala route, a separate meeting with KSRTC officials was scheduled. KSRTC officials responded by noting the increased number of passengers due to the Shakti Yojana.
Action against unauthorized flex banners
Naik instructed officials to take appropriate action against unauthorized flex banners in B.C. Road and Gram Panchayat areas. Permissions for banners should be granted for a specified period with a fee, and the banners should be removed afterward. He emphasized that even banners with the MLA’s own picture should be removed if they contain provocative content, directing the police and chief officer to enforce strict measures.