Minister warns officials of criminal action if they fail to address drinking water issue

(Third from left) Labour Minister Santhosh Lad chairing a review meeting in Dharwad on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Labour Minister and Dharwad district in charge Santosh Lad warned officials of criminal action if they were found to be negligent in implementing measures to prevent drinking water shortage in the district.Chairing the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme review meeting at the Dharwad Zilla Panchayat auditorium on Friday, Mr. Lad said officials should take precautionary measures to address the possibility of water scarcity in the coming months.He called upon the public to use water judiciously and avoid wastage, noting that the severity of drought conditions in the coming months was difficult to predict.Mr. Lad said the administration had identified areas likely to face water shortages and discussed contingency measures with officials of various departments.He directed senior officials to monitor the functioning of their subordinates daily and ensure that specific responsibilities were assigned to officials. Those failing to discharge their duties would face suspension, he warned.MLA and Chairman of Karnataka Slum Development Board Prasad Abbayya raised concerns over the growing garbage problem in Hubballi-Dharwad. He urged the municipal corporation to strengthen waste management and install CCTV cameras at locations where garbage was being dumped indiscriminately.Mr. Abbayya sought action against those violating waste disposal rules and called for better monitoring of health inspectors.MLA N.H. Konaraddi asked officials to report public grievances promptly and avoid suppressing problems. He stressed the need for regular field visits and timely resolution of public complaints.MLA Vinay Kulkarni expressed concern over alleged corruption in government offices and asked officials to respond responsibly to the problems of farmers and the public. He instructed the officials to ensure that fodder meant for Dharwad district was not sold outside the district, citing a shortage, and that the fodder supplied by the administration was of good quality.He also asked the Superintendent of Police to investigate allegations of extortion by RTI activists against government officials.MLC F.H. Jakkappanavar called for proper implementation of reservation provisions and welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He also urged officials to clear encroachments on lakes and ensure that government circulars and notifications were implemented effectively.Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. made the introductory remarks. The progress of various departments, including agriculture, horticulture, rural drinking water, public works, social welfare, education and rural development, was reviewed during the meeting.On the occasion, Mr. Lad also felicitated athletes from the district sports hostel who won prizes at national athletics competitions, their coaches and police officers from Dharwad district who won medals at the Ironman 70.3 competition held in Goa. Published - November 06, 2026 08:40 pm IST