Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister and Bidar district in-charge Eshwar B. Khandre on Thursday directed officials at the district, taluk and village levels to remain vigilant and respond promptly to drinking water problems during the peak summer season.

Addressing a press conference after reviewing the drinking water situation at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Bidar, Mr. Khandre said that drinking water problems have been reported in 68 villages under 38 gram panchayats in the district.

Water is currently being supplied through tankers in 19 places and through hired borewells in 59 places, he said.

The Minister instructed officials to ensure that any drinking water issue reported anywhere in the district should be resolved within 24 hours.

He said that officials must continue to work proactively till the onset of monsoon rain and at least till June 15.

Mr. Khandre said that the State government has released ₹4 crore to address drinking water problems during summer. He noted that water scarcity is more severe in 22 villages of Aurad taluk and 18 villages of Bhalki taluk.

However, no urban area in the district is currently facing any drinking water shortage, he added.

Stating that the Karanja Reservoir has around 5 tmcft of water storage, the Minister said that directions have been issued to the municipal authorities to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in urban areas.

He said that the Meteorological Department has forecast the arrival of monsoon rain within the next 20 days and therefore, officials should remain alert till June 15.

On crop loss compensation, Mr. Khandre said that crops have suffered extensive damage during the previous season due to heavy rain and hailstorms.

Around ₹100 crore compensation has already been credited to farmers accounts by the State government, he said.

Following a request for enhanced assistance, the government has sanctioned additional funds and another ₹142 crore is expected to be released to farmers within the next 15 to 20 days, he added.

The Minister said that farmers in the State have received around ₹250 crore under the crop insurance scheme this year. Though compensation in earlier years was lower, coordinated efforts by officials have helped secure total relief of nearly ₹520 crore for farmers, he said.

Mr. Khandre also announced that a ₹7,000-crore permanent drinking water project is being prepared to supply water from the Narayanpur Reservoir to villages in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts.

The proposed project is expected to provide a long-term solution to drinking water scarcity for the next 25 years. Around 120 villages in Bidar district and 250 villages in Kalaburagi district are likely to benefit from the scheme, he said.

He said that work on a multi-village drinking water project is already under way in Bhalki taluk and will benefit 110 to 120 villages.

Referring to works being executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister said that pipeline damage has been reported in some places and inspections and inquiries will be conducted. He also said that the Centre is yet to release around ₹20,000 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.

Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole, Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti and Bidar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mukul Jain were present.