Bengaluru: If there is a recurrence of death cases due to consumption of contaminated water, CEOs of Zilla Panchayat’s will be held directly responsible and suspended. And Chief Minister Siddaramaiah warned that action will be taken against the Commissioners of Municipal Councils.
Speaking about the problem of drinking water in the meeting held under his leadership. CM Siddaramaiah said, It should be ensured that drinking water pipelines and sewage pipes are separated in the slums where the poor live in all the districts of the state. The Chief Minister suggested that a sanitation campaign should be undertaken in the state to identify non-segregated places and submit a report on the same within 15 days.
Over 13-14 people have died due to consumption of contaminated water in the state and 6-7 people have died in Chitradurga itself. This can be avoided. The chief minister said that accidents like this happen because there is no maintenance in some places. Recently one person died in Kavadigarahatti. Such cases happen due to the negligence of the authorities. He pointed out that these four departments – rural development, health, municipal administration and urban development – should work in coordination.
Even in hostels, students drink contaminated water and are hospitalized. He said that work should be done in this regard. He suggested that pipeline repair and tank cleaning should be done immediately. The Health Minister opined that the minimum amount should be fixed separately for hygiene and cleanliness. He said that generally SCSP/ TSP is given priority for roads and other works.
There is a shortage of drinking water in 39 taluks. Water is being supplied through tankers in 121 villages. The Rural Development Minister brought to the attention of the meeting that a grant of Rs 86 crore is required for this. Drinking water should not be a problem anywhere. The Chief Minister suggested that priority should be given to the cleanliness of water. He said that people should be made aware about cleanliness.