Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, May 16: "The district administration has made sincere efforts to solve the drinking water problem in the entire Dakshina Kannada and MCC limits by giving proper guidlines. Convening the special meetings at taluk and MCC, importance is given to solve the drinking water scarcity," said district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai in a press meet here on Monday May 16.
As a counter allegation to Krishna J Palemar's allegation that fixing of wooden planks to store water at Thumbay vented dam has been delayed by 2 months in order to favour the sand mafia, Rai said, "Last year we received 21% less rainfall. In the previous years around the same time, out of 100 mm of rainfall we received just 13 mm."
"Fixing of wooden planks to store water at Thumbey vented dam was done in 2008 on October 8, in 2009 on November 8, in 2010 on December 19, in 2011 on November 26, in 2012 on November 12, in 2013 on November 20, in 2014 on November 30, in 2015 on December 26. We have made sincere efforts to provide water to people. Spreading rumours and misleading people is not fair," he said.
On completion of the construction of the new dam at Thumbey, he said, "After Congress government came to power, the speed of work has increased. We have also cleared the old bills. 95% of the work has been completed and will reach completion within a month."
He also added that the government has issued an order to compensate for the land which will be submerged while storing the water.
Responding to the district bandh on May 19, he said that chief minister has given time for him to meet the activists but they have not come for a dialoge with the CM claiming that they have a feast.
Speaking about Yettinahole project, he said, "The work was sanctioned during Yeddyurappa's government. Even veteran politicians like V S Acharya supported the project claiming that there is no harm in it. When CM visits the district, activists wave a black flag to the CM. Why do they not do so when Yeddyurappa comes to the district?"
He also challenged MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and BJP oppostion leaders to move the adjournment motion in the assembly and that he will speak to the CM on the same. Rai proclaimed, "I am speaking the truth. I am not pleasing anyone. I am not a hypocrite. I am not doing it for political mileage."
Mayor Harinath said, "People of the city get water once in four days. Thumbey has 4 feet of water. KMF has given 6 tankers of 20,000 liters and 6 tankers of 12,000 liters. Using this, MCC is providing water from SEZ. Moreover, there are 65 vehicles akin to pickups and 407 vans providing water to the people."
State minister U T Khader, Ibrahim Kodijal and others were present.