Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 3: A 20 - member delegation of legislators and people's representatives from the Solapur district led by Minister of State for Home, Jail and Horticulture Siddharam Mhetre met the Governor of Maharashtra S C Jamir at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Tuesday, 2 September 2008.

The delegation mentioned that the Akkalkot and South Solapur talukas of Solapur district are facing acute scarcity of drinking water and water for irrigation even during the current monsoon season. Members of the delegation complained that the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC) has been consistently neglecting the needs and requirements of Solapur district. The delegation requested the Governor to use his powers under article 371 (2) of the Constitution to provide funds worth Rs. 150 crore to complete the ongoing Ekrukh Lift Irrigation project and the Degaon Branch Canal works to ease the water shortage situation in the district.

The Governor remarked that the problems of Solapur district pointed out by the delegation are indeed genuine and assured the members that he will take up the matter with the concerned minister.

Former Minister Anandrao Deokate, President of South Solapur Municipal Council Umakant Rathod, Smt SUvarna Malgonda, Balasaheb Shelke, Bhimashankar Jamadar and other people's representatives were present on the occasion.