Minister reviews drinking water problem in Gulbarga

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

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

Visiting the pumping station and the two leaking points, the Minister 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.

Mr Darshanapur, later addressing a press conference, said water would be provided to the city on alternate days from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, people of the city continued their agitation against the 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 that 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