Karkala: Unutilized drinking water units

aaron, Apr 13, 2019, 3:22 PM IST

Karkala: The drinking water units installed in Karkala serve as a good example on how money is wasted through government’s experimentally implemented project.

In 2017-18, the state government planned to install purified drinking water units throughout the state with the aim to provide drinking water. Locations were identified for the installation of these units which provide 10 liters of water for a rupee and the units were installed at several locations at the cost of Rs 7-8 lakh per unit.

11 units

11 such units were installed in Karkala a year ago. The units are in good condition and functional, yet the people do not approach the units. Therefore it is being said that the government’s money is being wasted.

Two units were installed in the rural area of Karkala at Kemmannu and Miyanri in Nitte on behalf of the Royal Water Supply (RWS) Sub Division and the remaining 9 units were installed on behalf of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).

The units are installed at Didimbiri in Mudaru, Palije in Hirgana, Jantra in Belman, Alangar Gudde in Mundkur, Chetana Halli in Nitte, Posanattu in Kukkunduru, Putturke in Charada, Bada gudde in Hebri and at Hosmaru market. There are allegations that if the units go dysfunctional, the concerned are failing to repair it. But in Karkala, such a situation will not come.

The unit installed by RWS is handed over to the local administration. The gram panchayat is not only responsible for its maintenance but also pay the electricity bills. In the case on KRIDL, there is rule according to which they are supposed to maintain the unit for 5 years. Therefore, even though the municipality is not responsible for the maintenance it has to pay the bills.

Water could have been provided by digging a well

“Instead of wasting so much money on an ambitious project, with the same money they could have dug wells, constructed tanks and provide clean drinking water,” says Pramod, Dupadakatte

Make use

“Altogether 11 units have been installed in Karkala taluk and people must take advantage of it. Government schemes will not be successful without the participation of the public,” says Shridhar Nayak, Engineer, Rural Drinking Water and Cleanliness sub division, Karkala