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Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Illegal mining near Harangi Dam poses threat
Madikeri: Harangi Dam, one of Karnataka's major reservoirs, is reportedly facing a threat due to illegal mining activities occurring near its limits. Residents of Kushalnagar taluk have filed complaints regarding these illicit operations, which have also resulted in the clearing of valuable trees across acres of land. Residents express fear that continuous human interference in this vulnerable area could lead to a disaster and are urging authorities to take immediate action against the illegal mining. Chandramohan, convenor of the Kaveri Swachata Andolana, stated, 'Huge loads of mud are regularly transported on the Harangi Dam road, and the increased truck traffic is damaging the road. Furthermore, just 200 to 300 meters from Harangi Dam, valuable trees have been cleared over acres of land to facilitate mining activities.' He added that despite this widespread illegal activity, no official has taken any action. He explained that valuable trees, including rosewood, sandalwood, and other old trees, have been illegally felled without the permission of the concerned authorities. He also expressed concern that the increasing interference with the land by those extracting soil is likely to endanger the safety of the reservoir. Resident Shekhar said, 'Mining activity is being carried out without any fear of officials. No official seems to be aware of this large-scale illegal activity. The road constructed by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam from Harangi Dam to the village is being completely damaged due to the movement of heavy machinery and trucks carrying goods.' He noted that a huge hill is being excavated with Hitachi machines just 200 to 300 meters on the left side of the dam, and thousands of loads of soil are being illegally transported, yet officials from the concerned departments have reportedly taken no action. When questioned about the matter, Kushalnagar Taluk Tahsildar Kiran G. confirmed that the issue would be investigated. E.E. Puttaswamy of the Harangi division stated, 'We have received complaints about the activities happening near the reservoir. The Minor Irrigation, Revenue, Forest, and Mines and Geology departments will soon inspect the site. An inspection will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken.'
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Officials told to expedite repair works of irrigation tanks in Sri Sathya Sai district
Sri Sathya Sai district Collector T.S. Chetan on Thursday reviewed the progress of the repair and restoration works of minor irrigation tanks under the Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) scheme of the Central government. He said that strengthening the water bodies in the district would auger well for the district's agricultural ecosystem. Addressing a meeting with the officials of the Minor Irrigation, Groundwater, and Water Resources departments here, the Collector underlined the need for taking up restoration works immediately, in view of the ensuing southwest monsoon. He informed the officials to adopt a targeted approach to identify and rehabilitate tanks, which were critical to sustaining ayacut and galvanising the groundwater table. Mr. Chetan said that the RRR scheme envisaged revival plans for minor water bodies by enhancing their water-holding capacity. Sri Sathya Sai district has 1,186 water bodies under the minor and major irrigation tanks, which cater to 83,486 acres of area. The Collector asked the officials to promptly send proposals identifying tanks that were in urgent requirement of repairs, and funds allocation. 'The RRR scheme follows a 60:40 ratio, with the Central government contributing 60 per cent and the State government coming up with 40 per cent share of the expenditures,' Mr. Chetan said. Meanwhile, the Collector checked the reports pertaining to the first phase of works, which included the restoration of 239 tanks. He called for better coordination among departments for effective utilisation of resources and expedition of works.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dharwad officials asked to implement govt. schemes effectively
Labour Minister and Dharwad district in-charge Santosh Lad has directed officials to take steps to ensure effective implementation of various government schemes in the current fiscal. Chairing a quarterly meeting to review the progress of works under Karnataka Development Programmes (KDP) in Dharwad, the Minister asked the health officials to be vigilant during the rainy season as chances of infectious diseases spreading during the season are more. He also directed the taluk panchayat executive officers to resolve any drinking water problems immediately. Emphasising the need for proper implementation of works under MGNREGA, Mr. Lad said that a meeting will be held with officials of agriculture, panchayat raj, horticulture, forestry and other departments to ensure maximum utilization of man-days and more funds. The Minister also asked the officials to come out with new ideas for ensuring effective implementation of various schemes and programmes. The Minister subsequently reviewed the department-wise release of funds and utilization and achievement of physical targets. He also asked the district authorities to instruct heads of concerned departments to immediately review and approve the current year's action plan. Suspension While reviewing the progress of works under the Minor Irrigation Department, the Minister found that Executive Engineer of the department Devaraj Shiggavi was absent without prior permission and directed the issue of his suspension order. Upset with the official's negligence, Mr. Lad telephoned Minor Irrigation Minister N.S. Boseraju and asked him to issue the suspension order. MLAs N.H. Konaraddi and Mahesh Tenginakai, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J., Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil, Superintendent of Police Gopal Byakod and senior officials of various departments were present.
