Let the work gather pace for quicker implementation

Bantwal: Though located on the banks of River Netravati which is the lifeline for the district, Narikombu village still does not have a self-reliant drinking water facility. However, the fact that the multi-village drinking water project is being implemented here does provide some peace.

When the project work commenced a year back, it was supposed that the big problem facing the provision of drinking water locally would now finally be resolved. But the work is progressing at a snail’s pace and the failure to provide importance to it on an urgent basis has only caused unhappiness. But there is no lie in stating that in the future, one day the village is going to be drought-free.

Delay in implementation

Of the four multi-village drinking water projects sanctioned in Bantwal Assembly constituency, Narikombu multi-village drinking water project got the first preference, but its implementation was delayed due to some technical problems.

Water collection trough, purification unit, joining of the pipelines and other work has not yet been completed. Only the goods have been procured and stored in a pile.

The work on Karbettu Pump shed Plant which is supposed to supply water to the project has been completed only 40% and by the time it will be completed, the monsoon season will kick in. Hence it may be safely presumed that the project will not be implemented this year.

Since the work on the water pumping plant and the overhead tank of the multi village drinking water project is still under progress near the concrete bridge across Netravati River near Karbettu of Narikombu village, there is no hope of getting water soon. Even the pipeline has not been completed properly. There is no electricity connection. The electric motor to pump water has not been installed. Therefore, the villagers are compelled to face drinking water problems this time too. The beneficiaries only hope that the work gets completed soon and they get the benefit of drinking water.

Drinking water problem

“This year, the supply of drinking water is in a grave situation. The water in wells and lakes has also depleted. Water is being provided through water tankers to the necessary areas by the multi village drinking water authority,” informs Yashodhara Karbettu, President, Narikombu GP

No ban due to model code of conduct

“Even though the election model code of conduct is in effect, it does not ban work related to providing drinking water. If there is a problem, permission can be availed from the Deputy Commissioner and the action to provide water can be taken. In emergency situations, water is provided by bringing the situation to the notice of the district task force and there is no lack of funds for it,” informs Rajesh Naik Ulippady, Bantwal MLA

Water sources

Stats of Narikombu and Shambhur villages

Population	10,179
Bore well	19
Tanks	11
Lakes	7
Government wells	3