Minister reviews drinking water peoblem in Gulbarga

Gulbarga, May 5 (UNI) Agriculture Produce Marketing Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur today held a review meeting to discuss the drinking water problem faced by the people of this parched city in North Karnataka, which had worsened during this summer.

The minister and officials discussed about the leakage of water from the newly laid pipeline from Saradgi barrage to the filter bed here.

The pumping of 12 MGD of water through the newly laid pipe line from the barrage across the River Bhima was suspended due to leakage at two points. The 30-km pipe line was laid at a cost of Rs 45 crore and pumping of water was commenced on April 21, but it was stopped immediately due leakage of water. People had complained bitterly about the sub standard work and the failure on part of the administration to take action against those responsible.

The minister visited the pumping station and the two leaking points. He instructed the officials to take steps to plug the leakage and begin supply of water to the city at the earliest.

At present drinking water to the city was being supplied through tankers.

The minister, later addressing a press conference said that the water would be provided to the city on alternate day from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, people of the city continued their agitation against worsening drinking water supply and called for a bandh in the city on May 11.

Talking to UNI, CPI(M) State Committee Member Maruthi Manpade said while thousands of gallons of water was being wasted due to leaks in the new pipeline, people of the city suffered the worst ever water crisis. "Every drop of water has become precious. This clearly reflects the official apathy," he said.

UNI