Revanna demands relief funds, threatens indefinite stir

Former minister and Holenarsipur MLA H D Revanna on Wednesday threatened to launch an indefinite stir in front of deputy commissioner’s office, if the government fails to release Rs 64 lakh each to the Assembly constituencies, in the district, within a week to address drinking water woes.

Addressing the reporters here, Revanna said, The state government has declared all seven taluks in the district drought-hit four months ago but it has not released funds to take up relief works.Two months back, the government had promised Rs 64 lakh to augment drinking water facility in the drought-affected taluks. But the funds have not yet reached the district administration, he said.

The drinking water situation in several parts of the district has reached alarming proportions.

The farmers are finding it tough to provide fodder and water to the cattle/livestock, he said adding that How can the officials take up relief works without funds.

 Revanna alleged, “In 2015-16, the state government did not release even 10 paise under multi-village drinking water supply scheme but the district administration has been claiming that the government had released funds. The former minister pressed Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide details about the funds released by the government and amount spent by the ZP on relief works.

Water crisis in 300 villages 

Former prime minister and Hassan MP H D Deve Gowda had written to the Deputy Commissioner stating that 300 villages in the district has been reeling under water crises. But the DC delayed to forward the report to the government, he alleged.

When asked about District Minister A Manju’s statement that the government has sanctioned Rs 1.30 crore to take up relief works, Revanna said, “The minister has no information and the government has not sanctioned any funds, he said, adding, the government has not even sanctioned Rs 52 crore under multi-village drinking water supply scheme.

Revanna demanded that the nodal officers be appointed to ensure proper supply of drinking water to the affected villages and fodder to the cattle.

Issue land records

Village accountants (VA) and revenue inspectors (RI) are reluctant to issue land records to the farmers. Without land documents, farmers cannot get their crops insured. He demanded the authorities to take action against errant VAs and RIs.

Speaking about Mahamastakabhisheka to the statue of Gomateshwara in Shravanabelagola, which is scheduled for February 2018, said that the authorities have not convened any meeting of people’s representatives to discuss about the programme and preparation.

The minister must take people’s representatives to confidence and organise a meeting. MLA H S Prakash was present.