Public Works Minister and district in-charge Satish Jarkiholi directed officials to promptly initiate major projects under his purview and others. During a meeting in Belgaum on Wednesday, he emphasized that numerous significant projects, such as national highways, ring roads, a solid waste management facility, and continuous water supply, have already received approval for the district. He urged officials to commence these projects without delay and ensure they are completed within the specified timelines.
Jarkiholi acknowledged that certain projects have faced resistance from local residents. In such instances, officials should engage and gain their trust before commencing the projects, he emphasized. However, if needed, he instructed that the work proceed under police protection. Some projects have been delayed for decades due to land acquisition challenges and community objections, he noted, stressing the importance of completing all ongoing projects on schedule. He directed officials to implement stringent measures to combat dengue and cholera effectively. He also called for coordinated efforts across departments to prevent female foeticide.
MLA Asif (Raju) Seth expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of repairs on roads and pipelines near Old PB Road and Civil Hospital, causing inconvenience to the public.
Currently, ration cards are not being issued. Mr. Jarkiholi emphasized the immediate issuance of ration cards after obtaining government approval and the allocation of licenses to ration shops based on the number of cards. He instructed Srishail Kankanwadi, Joint Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, to ensure that Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards are prioritized in cases of medical emergencies.
He mentioned that there are approximately 160 pending BPL applications that need urgent attention, particularly due to medical emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil outlined the proactive steps taken to prepare for potential floods.
Taluk nodal officers are conducting frequent meetings and organizing village-level teams to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation. Emergency response teams are on standby, he added.
