RWS officials face Ministers' wrath

Srikakulam: The officials of Rural Water Supply Department faced the wrath of the Ministers and pubic representatives for their inefficiency in tackling the water problem during the District Review Committee meeting here on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for IT and Communication Dr Killi Kruparani, In-Charge and Law Minister Erasu Pratap Reddy, Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao, Minister for Forest Shatrucharla Vijayaramaraju, MLAs J Jagannyakulu, Korla Bharati and Meesala Neelakanta Naidu vented their ire at the officials for their lethargic attitude in solving the drinking water problem.

Though there was no paucity of funds, the officials of Rural Water Supply (RWS) were negligent in tackling the water problem, they alleged. Despite knowing about the water problem in summer, they failed to take precautionary measures, they opined. The meeting was presided over by Collector Saurabh Gaur.

The Ministers and public representatives held discussions with the officials on drinking water problem. They questioned the RWS officials what measures they have taken to tide over the water problem during this summer.

Union Minster of State for IT and Communication Killi Kriparani and In-charge and Law Minister Erasu Pratap Reddy pulled up the officials for lack of foresightedness in dealing with the water problem. Small repairs to borewells in villages would make a lot of difference, but they failed to do that, they lamented. While speaking on water problem in municipalities, they directed the municipal commissioner to hire private borewells on rent for three months to supply water to the people through tankers.

MLA J Jagannayakulu resented the distribution of ration coupons and ration cards, which were granted during Racchabanda , by Tahsildars and dealers instead of public representatives.A In turn, Dharmana intervened and directed the officials to see that remaining ration cards and coupons were distributed by the public representatives.