Dharwad Minister Santosh Lad Takes Charge on Water Safety and Agricultural Concerns
District Minister Santosh Lad has issued a firm directive to officials, emphasizing the critical need to prevent any shortage of safe and clean drinking water across Dharwad district, including the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad. This move comes amid growing concerns over potential water scarcity during the upcoming summer months.
Ensuring Water Quality Through Scientific Testing
While chairing the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting at the zilla panchayat hall on Monday, Lad acknowledged that the district does not face a shortage of water resources. However, he highlighted that the quality of drinking water remains a pressing issue. "Water from the Malaprabha River and borewells is being supplied, but we must ensure that it is safe for consumption," he stated.
The minister has instructed officials from the rural drinking water supply and sanitation department, along with the health department, to conduct regular scientific testing of drinking water. He issued a stern warning, holding officials accountable for any untoward incidents resulting from contaminated water consumption.
Addressing Agricultural Challenges and Innovation Gaps
Lad expressed significant dissatisfaction over agricultural issues plaguing the district. He raised pointed questions about why innovations from agricultural universities are not effectively reaching farmers, citing specific concerns such as crop diseases. Notably, he mentioned the large-scale flower drop observed in mango orchards this season, which has severely impacted growers.
The minister sought clarification from the agriculture department regarding stagnant sowing area figures, despite documented changes in land use over the years. He also noted the decline in red chilli cultivation in Kundgol, which once gained prominence in the Byadagi market.
"Brazil has sugarcane varieties that yield for seven years. Why can't we achieve similar breakthroughs here? Why is scientific guidance not effectively reaching farmers?" Lad questioned, urging for better dissemination of agricultural knowledge and technology.
Focus on SC/ST Welfare and Crop Disease Management
During the meeting, MLC FH Jakkappanavar urged the minister to ensure that funds earmarked for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in various departments are not misused. He also appealed for government measures to provide agricultural land to genuine SC/ST beneficiaries who currently do not own land.
MLA NH Konaraddi highlighted the distress among mango growers due to widespread flower drop caused by disease, despite abundant flowering this season. He called on scientists to take preventive measures against climate-related crop diseases to safeguard agricultural livelihoods.
Infrastructure and Accountability Measures
In response to these concerns, Minister Lad announced plans to inspect the ongoing work of the Integrated Pack House being constructed for mango value addition. He will also review efforts to geo-tag Dharwad mangoes, aiming to enhance marketability and traceability.
In a stern move, Lad directed Deputy Commissioner Snehal R to initiate criminal proceedings against Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for delays in executing the continuous water supply project in the Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities. He stated that repeated fines had failed to improve the company's performance, underscoring the need for stricter accountability.
The meeting was attended by MLAs MR Patil (Kundgol) and N Konaraddi (Navalgund), along with Deputy Commissioner Snehal R and Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing district issues.
