Residents oppose irrigation project

Residents oppose irrigation project
The Hindu - Staff Correspondent

They want the project to be scrapped
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# Lack of proper information cited as the main reason
# Authorities have started taking corrective measures
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HUBLI: The pilot water supply project being implemented in Hubli-Dharwad has run into trouble following opposition from a section of residents in Dharwad.

Although those opposing the project have raised several issues, the main reason for the opposition seems to be inadequate information supplied to the people on the project.

Consequently the two recent consultation meetings, which the Hubli-Dharawad Municipal Corporation had organised with regard to the project concluded in confusion.

Although the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) has appointed a non-governmental organisation for the purpose of creating awareness about the organisation, it seems the things have not been put before the residents in a proper manner.

Lack of proper information, apprehensions about hike in water tariff, non-availability of water to the economically weaker sections of the society under the project and privatisation of water supply are some of the issues faced.

Some residents want the project to be scrapped. Even the ward committee set up for educating people seemed to have made little impact on the residents of those wards in Dharwad, which have been selected for the project.

Corrective measures

After two meetings with residents of Dharwad authorities concerned have started taking corrective measures.

When contacted I.M. Prabhakar, deputy project director, regional office of KUIDFC, informed that corrective measures were being taken to clear the misconceptions among residents. He also informed that Rural and Urban Development Association of Dharwad, which has been employed for creating awareness about the project had not worked according to the guidelines issued to it and had deviated from the area of focus, which it had to concentrate while educating the people.

However Mr. Shellikeri, advisor to KUIDFC on the project, maintained that the NGO had done good work and justified their way of functioning. Meanwhile the deputy project director has issued notice to the NGO expressing displeasure over its nature of functioning stating that Corporation would be forced to discontinue their services, if it failed to mend its ways.

The Commissioner, Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is likely to convene another meeting of the residents of those wards in Dharwad that would be covered under the project, to clear their apprehensions.