Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation Holds Monthly Council Meeting on Water Supply Issues
Ruling and opposition members were in a heated discussion during the monthly council meeting of the Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) on April 29. The main issue was irregular water supply, which had led to concerns among both parties.
Ruling Party Councillor Chandrashekhar Managundi alleged that water was supplied once every 8 to 10 days in his ward, and several other councillors agreed, with some even stating it was 10 to 15 days in some areas.
Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali responded by explaining that the delay in water supply was due to a 24-hour power shutdown in March, which caused a 8-hour delay. The district in-charge minister had convened a joint meeting of officials from HESCOM, HDMC, KUIDFC, and L&T to form a technical committee to investigate the issue. The report of the committee is pending.
KUIDFC officials were directed to develop an action plan to prevent disruptions in power supply to the water supply system, he said.
Mayor Ramanna Badiger pointed out that farmers had declined to allow the laying of a 24×7 water supply line due to compensation demands. However, they were convinced to part with their land, and work on only 50 meters is pending, expected to be completed by June 8.
The Mayor directed the municipal commissioner to take steps to ensure a separate feeder line for power supply to the water supply network.
Controversy Over Veterinary Officer
The issue of allowing a veterinary officer to continue in service despite the general body’s resolution to release the officer from municipal duty sparked a heated discussion. BJP councillor Thippanna Majjagi took exception to this development.
When BJP councillor Shivu Menasinakai raised the issue of stray cattle menace in the central business district, Health Officer Dr. Sridhar Dandeppanavar clarified that teams had been constituted to address the issue, but action had been delayed due to local residents’ objections. Dr. Dandeppanavar then called veterinary officer Dr. A.G. Kulkarni to provide further information, which enraged Majjagi. He sought to know how an officer could be asked to resume duty when the council had resolved to release him from duty. He demanded an apology from the commissioner.
The discussion concluded with Mayor Ramanna Badiger ruling that steps would be taken to relieve the officer from duty in accordance with the council resolution.
The council meeting also deliberated on various other issues listed in the agenda, including condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and demanding action against terrorists.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/irregular-water-supply-in-hubballi-dharwad-comes-up-for-discussion-in-municipal-council/article69505955.ece
