Minister Khandre criticises JJM engineers over water budgeting knowledge
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre questioned officials during a progress review meeting at the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat office.
Mysuru Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre criticised Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) engineers for their inability to explain water budgeting during a progress review meeting on Wednesday, according to The Hindu.
The Minister questioned the engineers on the concept after they failed to provide an answer at the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat office. Mr. Khandre stated that a scientific assessment of water availability and future demand is necessary before planning drinking water projects.
He explained that water budgeting involves assessing borewells, open wells, the groundwater table, and other water sources. The process also requires estimating water demand for the next one and five years, considering population growth and requirements for schools, hospitals, and industries.
Mr. Khandre noted that the State government is spending ₹67,000 crore on multi-village and single-village drinking water schemes. He directed Deputy Secretaries to visit villages to verify if the JJM is ensuring water supply to every village and the last household.
During a meeting with Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) K.R. Nandini, the Minister directed officials to identify 50 villages with high public movement to construct bus shelters. He also called for opening more Akka Cafes to provide livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups.
Addressing allegations regarding 1,881 illegal e-Swathus issued in Indavalu Gram Panchayat, Mr. Khandre ordered the cancellation of those found to be issued on forged documents. He also reviewed lake encroachments in Mandya district, noting that 158 acres across 22 lakes remain to be cleared.