A comprehensive discussion on scientific waste disposal, the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, control of wild animal menace, and agricultural activities was held during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting chaired by Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar recently.
At the outset of the meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Madikeri, the issue of scientific disposal of legacy waste in the city received considerable attention. The MP directed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure that the waste is disposed of scientifically and without further delay.
He stated that reasons such as rainfall should not be cited as excuses for delaying the work. Sufficient time has already been provided, and no further justifications should be offered. Emphasising the need for a permanent solution, he suggested studying waste management practices adopted in other districts and implementing suitable measures in Kodagu.
Legislative Council Members S.L. Bhojegowda and Suja Kushalappa supported the MP’s observations and urged officials to take action in accordance with the compliance reports submitted. They cautioned against offering repeated excuses. DISHA Committee members Dr. Naveen Kumar, R.K. Chandru, Nagesh Kundalpadi and Kanti Satish also expressed concern over the issue.
Nagesh Kundalpadi said that greater public awareness should be created regarding several Central Government initiatives, including waste management, the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme, Jal Jeevan Mission, Vishwakarma Scheme and Swachh Bharat Mission. He noted that these projects have received substantial funding and must be implemented effectively. He urged officials to discharge their responsibilities with commitment and dedication.
Speaking on the occasion, MLC Suja Kushalappa pointed out that garbage is being dumped along roadsides in several parts of the district and called for immediate attention to the issue.
He stressed that waste should be collected and scientifically disposed of in all wards under local body jurisdictions. He further observed that homestays and resorts in the district must also ensure proper waste management. Referring to the systems followed in Kerala and Assam, he expressed dissatisfaction that despite substantial revenue generation, effective waste management practices are still lacking in Karnataka.
Responding to the concerns, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena stated that efforts are underway to achieve 100 per cent waste disposal at the Gram Panchayat level and that dustbins have been installed wherever necessary.
MLC S.L. Bhojegowda remarked that officials can perform their duties effectively if they work with sincerity and commitment. He stated that elected representatives are interested in results rather than explanations and emphasised the importance of tangible outcomes.
The MP reiterated that the garbage issue should not resurface in the next DISHA meeting and directed officials to formulate a concrete action plan and submit a report.
Committee member R.K. Chandru suggested creating awareness about waste disposal through cultural programmes and songs and stressed that cleanliness should be accorded the highest priority.
Providing details on the AMRUT 2.0 drinking water projects in Madikeri, Kushalnagar, Virajpet, Somwarpet and Ponnampet, Engineer Jayakumar informed the meeting that works worth Rs 45 crore are currently in progress. He said that nearly 70 per cent of the work has been completed and that the remaining works are expected to be finished within the current financial year.
The MP instructed officials to accelerate progress under the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme and ensure that no delays occur for any reason.
Expressing concern over the supply of drinking water through tankers in some parts of the state, he said that such a situation is unfortunate. Although the monsoon has been weaker than expected so far, he stressed the need to conserve available water resources. He noted that lakes, reservoirs, wells, ponds and streams still contain water and stated that dependence on tanker water should be avoided wherever possible.
He added that while rainfall has been below normal this season, there is a possibility of good rainfall in the coming days and therefore drinking water conservation should be accorded priority.
DISHA Committee member Nagesh Kundalpadi demanded a comprehensive review of the progress made under the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme.
Executive Engineer Bhaskar, while presenting details of the Jal Jeevan Mission, stated that the project aims to provide tap water connections to every household in the district.
MLC Bhojegowda suggested that local elected representatives should be invited and briefed regularly about the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also emphasised the need to inform local residents once project works are completed. Nagesh Kundalpadi alleged that the progress under the AMRUT 2.0 Scheme had not met expectations and insisted that a formal inspection and documentation process be conducted after completion of works. He further stated that information regarding the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission would be collected and reviewed.
He urged Taluk Executive Officers to visit all Gram Panchayats and assess the status of the scheme to ensure that Central Government programmes reach deserving beneficiaries effectively.
The MP directed officials to submit completion reports in the presence of elected representatives and ensure that copies are provided to the concerned Gram Panchayats.
He further warned that detailed information regarding the implementation and progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission must be furnished at the next meeting, failing which action would be initiated as per rules.
The MP also instructed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to facilitate the installation of communication towers in areas where network connectivity remains poor. He directed Revenue and Forest Department officials to identify and provide suitable land for the purpose.
He suggested that NABARD prepare and submit a proposal for the construction of a hostel under the Backward Classes Welfare Department.
MLC Suja Kushalappa stressed the need to provide quality food and adequate basic facilities in the Kodlipete Residential School. He announced that all residential schools in the district would be visited to assess their functioning.  Supporting the demand, Nagesh Kundalpadi urged authorities to ensure that no complaints arise from students residing in hostels.
Dr. Naveen Kumar highlighted the growing demand for student hostels in the district and suggested that proposals be submitted for establishing additional hostels.
MLC Bhojegowda called for the timely distribution of uniforms, textbooks and notebooks to students. He also urged authorities to expedite the renewal of school accreditation and ensure that there is no delay under any circumstances.
He recommended convening a meeting involving the Deputy Director of School Education, Block Education Officers and other officials to address pending issues.  Noting that the district currently has seven PM SHRI Schools, Bhojegowda suggested submitting proposals for the establishment of additional institutions under the scheme.
Addressing the issue of human-elephant conflict, MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar stressed the need for a united action plan beyond political affiliations to prevent conflicts between humans and wild elephants.
Refuting claims that Kerala had received higher funding than Karnataka under Project Elephant, he clarified that the State had received the funds due from the Centre and urged authorities to take effective measures to mitigate the menace caused by wild animals.
MLC Suja Kushalappa alleged that harassment by the Forest Department had increased in the district and urged officials to ensure that farmers and local residents are not unnecessarily troubled. He said local communities should play a greater role in forest conservation.
The MP noted that several rounds of discussions have already been held regarding measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
MLC Bhojegowda suggested planting jackfruit, bamboo, banana and other fruit-bearing species in forest areas to ensure adequate food for wildlife. He also called for the removal of eucalyptus and acacia plantations, including their stumps, and expressed the view that solar fencing alone would not provide a long-term solution. Referring to the below-normal rainfall received by the district so far, the MP said there was still a possibility of good rainfall in the coming weeks. He therefore directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of seeds and fertilisers to farmers.
Dr. Naveen Kumar observed that the Coffee Board implements several Central Government schemes for the benefit of farmers and urged authorities to disseminate information about these initiatives regularly.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek informed the meeting that approximately Rs1.5 crore is required for every kilometre of infrastructure aimed at preventing wildlife intrusion.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sahana S. Hadimani and officials from various departments presented reports relating to their respective departments during the meeting.
