ARTIFICIAL DROUGHT AT MADIKERI

Madikeri January 30, 2007

Politics in administrative matters, question of prestige and official apathy has left the residents of Madikeri high and dry with little or no proper water to drink.

The residents are flabbergasted by a statement by the City Municipal Commissioners statement that the drinking water would be released only once in two days. The reason – shortage of water. In reality, Madikeri has abundant source of water in all corners. The song ‘ water water everywhere, not a drop to drink” suits the situation well.

Streams and rivers flow all around Madikeri and the elected representatives have been fighting in vain over the issue since decades to decide about from where the water has to be lifted. Nothing was implemented as each one of them want to take credit and will not allow others to function. Whereas officials are not bothered about the welfare of the people.

At present, the drinking water is being supplied to Madikeri from Kootu hole, situated 8 kilometers from here. The officials are depending upon the same lake since decades. Proposals to lift water from Bethri River or Vanachalu where water flows throughout the year was ignored as elected representatives, including elected representatives show no genuine concern and block each others efforts to find a permanent solution to the problem.

The CMC commissioner Raya was questioned why the shortage and when will it improve. Raya said that the level of water is decreasing at Kootu hole and they cannot meet the demand of water. He surprised the reporter by stating that the situation might improve after May as it may rain! As a temporary resort they are cleaning two lakes at Madikeri town at a cost of rupees fifty thousand!

Water shortage in the town is worsening due to inflow of tourists. Thousands of tourists stay in the town at weekends, adding to the shortage. The district authorities have not done anything to provide additional water keeping in mind the inflow of tourists. Enough publicity is being given to promote tourism in the district by government. Hardly any thing is done to increase the source of water.

Former president of the CMC kaveramma Somanna accused officials for the shortage and said that many tanks inside the town are full of silt or leaking. She said that poor maintenance is another reason for the shortage.

MLA K.G.Bopaiah said that “Kundamaistry” project for drinking water is awaiting cabinet approval and it will be done. He lambasted the district in charge minister ramachandra and said that he is taking no interest in the development. He is a minister just on account, he said.

Former minister M.C.nanaiah stated that officials are encouraging home stays without applying any extra taxes. Water is being sold from private parties who are removing water from the same Kootuhole, he alleged.

Former minister M.M.nanaiah said that “Kunda maistry” project will not solve the ddrinking water problem. He said that MLA K.G.Bopaiah ignored the Bethry project he had proposed for political reson and projected Kundamaistry project.

Whatever the politicians say, the problem cannot find a permanent solution unless the elected representatives do not take a single decision and stop exploiting citizens by denying their right to demand water.

(Picture of Kootuhole attachéd)