Sunil Lohan
*Review Whether Livestock Vaccinations Are Being Administered on Time.
*Use Reservoir Water Only for Drinking Purposes; Ensure People Face No Hardship.
*Stored Water May Lead to Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases; Create Public Awareness.
*Provide Employment Under VB-G RAM G and Prevent Distress Migration.
*DyCM Dr.G.Parameshwara Issues Strict Directions to Officials at Progress Review Meeting in Chamarajanagar
*Chamarajanagar:Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara directed officials to immediately utilise the adequate funds available in the Personal Deposit (PD) accounts of Deputy Commissioners for drinking water supply and other urgent relief works, in accordance with government guidelines. “Do not delay relief measures on the pretext of waiting for additional funds,” he said.
He directed officials to give priority to drinking water for both people and livestock and to ensure that livestock receive the required vaccinations on time.
“Reservoir water must be used very carefully. Ensure that no village or urban area faces any shortage of drinking water,” he instructed.
Dr. Parameshwara cautioned that during periods of severe water scarcity, people tend to store water for longer durations, which could increase the spread of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
This must be taken seriously. Create proper awareness among people and conduct Task Force and District Disaster Management Authority meetings regularly.
During drought years, health problems caused by contaminated drinking water also tend to increase. Maintain strict vigilance and prevent such incidents,” he directed.
He said that during El Niño years, sudden spells of rainfall could increase the risk of floods and lightning incidents, and officials must take appropriate action based on weather advisories.
“There should be no shortage of sowing seeds. If crops fail after sowing due to lack of rain and rainfall resumes later, there could again be demand for seeds and fertilisers. Be prepared for such a situation,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure there is no shortage of fodder for livestock.
“According to your reports, fodder stocks appear to be low. Deputy Commissioners and CEOs must get the actual availability verified through their teams,” he said.
Farmers who have access to borewells or other water sources should be encouraged to cultivate fodder and provided fodder seed kits.He also directed officials to ensure that all rainfall monitoring stations are functioning properly.
“No habitation should face drinking water scarcity. Sudden rainfall, combined with prolonged storage of tanker-supplied water, can increase the risk of infectious diseases.
Necessary precautions must be taken. Farmers should also be encouraged to cultivate crops that require less rain water,” he said.
Dr. Parameshwara said ₹5 crore had been provided to Chamarajanagar district for emergency drinking water requirements and directed officials to use the funds judiciously.
“Use reservoir water for drinking purposes. If borewells dry up, hire private borewells. If the problem persists, deepen existing borewells.
Drilling new borewells should be the last option. In the meantime, use tankers wherever there is an urgent requirement,” he directed.
He said a senior KAS officer has been appointed as taluk in-charge officer for every taluk in the State and asked the administration to make effective use of these officers. He also directed the Chief Secretary to closely monitor the matter.
“In the coming days, ensure adequate drinking water, fodder and essential vaccinations for livestock. Maintain sufficient stocks of seeds and fertilisers required by farmers and ensure there is no disruption in drinking water supply,” he said.
Referring to employment, Dr. Parameshwara said a significant number of people from the region migrate in search of work.
“The MGNREGA scheme has also undergone changes. Make effective use of available funds and schemes to generate employment for people and prevent distress migration,” he instructed.
Due to the severity of the drought, water scarcity is likely to worsen even in forest areas. Wild animals may come out of forests in search of water and fodder, which could create problems for people. Officials have been directed to anticipate this situation and put preventive measures in place from now itself.
All Primary Health Centres must maintain adequate stocks of medicines.
We are facing an extremely serious and unprecedented situation. Due to the impact of El Niño, emergency measures have already been taken in some countries.
All PDOs, Revenue Inspectors and Tahsildars must go among the people, listen to their problems and respond to them.
Officials at the Gram Panchayat, taluk and district levels must work in close coordination for the welfare of the people.
The Deputy Commissioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO carry greater responsibility and must work with utmost seriousness.
It has also come to our notice that many officials are not working from their respective headquarters. The Chief Minister and I have already issued a warning in this regard.
Officials must change their working style and remain at their headquarters while discharging their duties. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to take strict action, without hesitation, against those who neglect these instructions.
