SOCIAL FORESTRY, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENTS CAUTIONED;

Madikeri June 29, 2007

Taluk Panchayath yesterday urged the Social forestry and irrigation departments to complete the half done works with in fifteen days and cautioned against action, in case of failure.

The meeting chaired by the president Kishore Kumar yesterday observed that the works taken up by those departments at Madikeri taluk remain half done. Members spat against the lathergic attitude of the officials and urged action against them. The executive officer Motaiah warned the officials of action if they fail to complete works within a fortnight.

The complaint against the social forestry department was that they have not fenced the school compounds. Funds were released to some of the school fencing during last year itself and no progress was seen. The officer in charge stated that they have shortage of funds and in some cases the school betterment committees should do the fixing and they can only supply materials. However Motaiah said that it is the duty of the social forestry officials to see that the works are done and Taluk Panchayath has to initiate action against erring officials.

Taluk Panchayath observed that the irrigation department has not taken up plans of constructing lakes approved last year. Only four lakes were constructed in a place where eighteen lakes were approved. Members alleged misappropriation in the scheme and urged investigation. Spot inspection was also urged by the members.

Meeting discussed about the problems of distribution of kerosene, facilities in schools and other schemes.

Meanwhile, member Shoba asked the Tahasildar to get out of the meeting hall. She alleged that Tahasildar is ill treating the elected representatives. The tahasildar denied the charges and said that he cannot sign any papers without following procedures and the member is hurt perhaps on such account.

RAIN FURY RE STARTS; BUFFALO DROWNS;

Rainfall which had reduced its fury has regained momentum with gutsy wind Kodagu.

Reports of trees and poles falling have been receiving while a buffalo was drowned at Somwarpet taluk.

Villages in Kodagu are plunged in darkeness as dozens of electric poles are grounded.

A buffalow crossing a flooding river at Nagaralli in Somwarpet taluk got drowned. Children are finding it difficult to cross temporary bridges to reach to schools.

Cardamom plants in Shanthalli, jakkanalli and Kundalli areas are grounded due to heavy rainfall and gutsy winds.

Madikeri so far has received 34.87 inches of rainfall till yesterday, whereas last year it rained 51.12 inches till yesterday. Virajpet taluk received 24.97 inches. Last year it was 37.31 inches. Somwarpet received 20.34 inches of rain fall while last year it was 21.62 inches.

The Harangi water level yesterday was 2824.57 feet. Last year it was 2840.89 feet. The maximum level is 2859 feet. The inflow was 1508 cusecs.