Outcome of MATF, MGP meeting with Corpn. Commisioner

"PUBLIC SERVICE"

While KRS is full to the brim bringingjoy to one and all, the least expected from the citizens is a daily supply of drinking water.

In this backdrop, MATF and MGP members, along with prominent citizens, held a meeting with the Corporation Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim at his chamber here yesterday to discuss the regular supply of drinking water.

In the meeting, the voice of the members in unison was about the failure on the part of the Corporation to facilitate for the supply of drinking water on daily basis when water shortage in KRS reservoir is a thing of the past.

Raising the issue, the Convenor of Water Supply and Sanitation Working Group of MATF, M. Lakshmana, said that the four pumping stations in the city should supply 218 MLD of water but it is not being done as the pumps are old and not functioning properly resulting in a short supply of about 30 per cent.

'However, about 153 MLD of water is being pumped at present while the requirement of drinking water to city is only 135 MLD. While the situation is like this, what is holding the Corporation from not supplying drinking water on daily basis?' Lakshmana argued.

Replying to his question, Ibrahim, however, accepted that the whole system of water supply in the city is not functioning as expected from many years and added that steps would be taken to set-right the problem in stages.

Lakshmana, not happy with the Commissioner's assurance, questioned the behaviour of Corporation engineers saying whatever suggestions the MATF gives to them is falling on deaf ears.

'MATF members are appointed directly by the Government and in spite of this the engineers are neglecting us and the concerned citizens' pleas. It looks as if these officials are compounding the problems instead of solving them,' he alleged and added that Executive Engineer Ranga-swamy is not responding to his frequent calls made in this regard.

He also said, 'when we are spending our time and money to better the services preparing a complete project plan, the concerned officials are showing no interest in solving the problem.'

MATF Chairman R. Guru, Dr. H.A.B. Parpia, MGP members Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy, Maj. Gen. S.G. Vombatkere (Retd.), journalist Rajashekar Koti, Balasubramaniam, R.S. Venkateshan, M.B. Srinivas, Udaya Kumar, Rajesh, Dr. C.N. Singh and others took part in the meeting.

After the discussions, it was decided to take up the necessary steps and facilitate for the supply of drinking water to city on daily basis from Aug. 16.

Ibrahim promised the members that he would furnish the details of steps taken in the next two days and also to consider the demands and suggestions putforth by the citizens.