Hidkal Water Tender Approved Before Public Outcry: Jarkiholi

Even before it came to public attention, the tender for supplying water from Hidkal Reservoir in Belagavi to Dharwad had already been approved, said Belagavi District In-Charge Minister and Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Belagavi

He added that a meeting would be convened with Dharwad officials regarding this matter.

Addressing media after visiting Akka Café in Belagavi today, where he discussed various topics with the CEO of the Zilla Panchayat over refreshments, Minister Jarkiholi stated that the issue of transporting water from Hidkal Dam to the Dharwad industrial area was brought to his notice only after the tender was finalized. He assured that a meeting with the concerned Dharwad officials would soon be held in Belagavi.

He further added that instructions will be given to district authorities to implement safety measures to prevent accidents on the National Highway near Hirebagewadi. He also noted that potholes on the Nipani service road are being repaired.

About the COVID-19 situation, he said that while a few cases have been reported in the district, the patients have received treatment and have been discharged. He emphasized that there is no significant threat from COVID at the moment.

When asked about the issue involving the Hukkeri Electricity Supply Board allegedly shifting control from the Katti group to the Jolle faction, he dismissed the claim, stating, "There are no factions here. The DCC Bank matter is different, and the Shira Sugars issue is separate. It is the board members themselves who have raised concerns."