Priyank Kharge, the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and in-charge of Kalaburagi, expressed grave concern over the extensive delay and inadequate execution of the 24/7 drinking water supply initiative by Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Hubballi. He stated that the government is considering legal measures against the company in response.
Kharge, addressing the gathering in Kalburgi, mentioned that the matter would be brought up in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. A decision regarding the course of action against L&T will be deliberated and finalized during the session.
“L&T’s performance on the 24/7 drinking water supply projects in Hubballi, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi is inadequate,” stated Mr. Kharge. “The company has haphazardly excavated city roads and failed to adequately restore them after installing the water pipelines. I urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to contemplate legal measures against the company. However, the Chief Minister opted to summon L&T officials for another round of discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of these water supply projects for the three municipal corporations.”
He stressed the importance of weighing the consequences before hastily resorting to legal action without ensuring alternative water supply arrangements. “Mere words are insufficient for these individuals [L&T officials]. They warrant rigorous legal consequences,” remarked Mr. Kharge. “Holding lower-level engineers within the company accountable and giving them warnings is ineffective. Suspending all current projects with the company and barring it from future bidding processes could serve as a lesson. Additionally, there are government officials paid by taxpayers but working for the company. They will also face strict repercussions,” Mr. Kharge added.
