Ruling and Opposition members deliberating on the issue of irregular water supply during the monthly council meeting of the Municipal Corporation in Hubballi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

Irregular water supply during March and April led to an elaborate discussion during the monthly council meeting of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) in Hubballi on April 29, with both opposition and ruling party members expressing concern.

Raising the issue during zero hour, BJP councillor Chandrashekhar Managundi alleged that water was being supplied in his ward once in 8 to 10 days. Several councillors of both ruling party and opposition concurred with him with a few even alleging that the frequency was 10 to 15 days in some localities.

Responding to their allegation, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that because of power shutdown for 24 hours during March, there was a delay for 8 hours in water supply. The district in-charge minister had conducted a joint meeting of officials of HESCOM, HDMC, KUIDFC and L&T before constituting a technical committee to look into it. The report of the committee is awaited.

KUIDFC officials had been directed to chalk out an action plan to prevent disruption in power supply to the water supply system, he said.

Intervening in the discussion, Mayor Ramanna Badiger pointed out that at three places, farmers had declined to part with their land for laying of 24×7 water supply line. They had demanded hefty compensation.

“The farmers were convinced to part with their land. Consequently, work has been taken up. Now, work on only 50 metres is pending, which is expected to completed by June 8,” he said.

The Mayor directed the municipal commissioner to take steps to get a separate feeder line for power supply to the water supply network.

Controversy over veterinary officer

The issue of allowing a veterinary officer to continue in service despite the general body resolving to release the said officer from municipal duty led to a heated discussion with BJP councillor Thippanna Majjagi taking exception the development.

When BJP councillor Shivu Menasinakai raised the issue of stray cattle menace in the central business district, Health Officer Dr. Sridhar Dandeppanavar clarified that although teams had been constituted to address the issue, action had been delayed due to objection by local residents. Mr. Dandeppanavar then called veterinary officer Dr. A.G. Kulkarni to give further information, which enraged Thippanna Majjagi, who sought to know how could an officer be asked to resume duty when the council had resolved to release him from duty. He sought to know what message it would convey about the power of the council.

Intervening in the discussion, Commissioner Rudresh Ghali clarified that Dr. Kulkarni was asked to resume duty due to shortage of staff with the permission of the Mayor, which further enraged Mr. Majjagi. He sought to know how could it be done when the council meeting had resolved to relieve him from the duty. He demanded an apology from the commissioner.

The discussion concluded with Mayor Ramanna Badiger ruling that steps would be taken to relieve the officer from duty in accordance with the council resolution.

The council meeting deliberated upon various issues listed in the agenda.

It passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and demanding action against terrorists.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike officials hope the move will help in improving early tax payment. 
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

In a move aimed at benefiting the public and encouraging property owners to pay taxes, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended the deadline for availing the 5% rebate on property tax payments by one month. Earlier, the deadline was April 30. 

According to an official order, property owners who pay their entire property tax dues for the financial year 2025–26 will continue to be eligible for a 5% discount until May 31. The extension comes as part of BBMP’s initiative to encourage timely tax payments and enhance revenue collection.

This decision is expected to bring relief to citizens who have not yet paid their taxes and offer them another opportunity to avail the rebate. Civic officials hope the move will help in improving early tax payment. The citizens have also been requesting the BBMP for extension. 

BBMP has urged property owners to take advantage of the extension and make payments promptly, either through online platforms or designated BBMP tax payment centers.