Bantwal, June 06: In clear display of misuse of power and highhandedness a Panchayat Development Officer caused distress to hundreds of families and Kaithrodi Anganwadi centre by locking the pump house which resulted in stoppage of drinking water supply.
It is being said that the villagers of Rayi, Koyla and Arala were not keen on paying the water bill owing to irregular water supply. Further the water meters installed were also not working efficiently. Though the matter had come up to discussion during the Grama Sabha meeting nothing was being done to rectify the problem. In addition in some places water supply was irregular even during the monsoon. No water scheme was being initiated to ensure regular supply of water.
On Thursday, June 5 the PDO locked the pump house without being instructed to do so. When Indira Madhukar, president of Village Panchayat was questioned she claimed that she was unaware of the incident.
The locals have now warned that they will submit a memorandum against the PDO to Tahshildar of Bantwal, Chief Executive Officer of Bantwal Taluk Panchayat, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat and Deputy Commissioner and also hold protests.
