Janardhan Reddy tells officials to step up monsoon preparedness

Gangavati MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy on Friday directed officials to take all necessary precautionary measures during the monsoon season to prevent loss of human lives and livestock and ensure timely compensation in the event of damage.

Chairing the first quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting for 2026-27 at the J.H. Patel Hall of the Zilla Panchayat office in Koppal, Mr. Reddy said that officials should remain alert during the rainy season and promptly visit affected areas whenever incidents of damage are reported.

He instructed officials of the Revenue, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Horticulture and other departments and GESCOM to respond swiftly to public complaints, expedite relief measures and ensure adequate preparedness for emergencies.

The issue of lack of electricity connections to public toilets in six locations, including Kinnal village, came up during the meeting.

Expressing displeasure over the delay, Mr. Reddy pulled up GESCOM officials and said that they should emulate the concern shown by Kinnal Gram Panchayat member Kamalamma who had repeatedly approached authorities seeking power supply to the public toilet in the village.

He directed the Executive Officer of the Koppal Taluk Panchayat to convene a meeting of Panchayat Development Officers of the six gram panchayats concerned and ensure better coordination in implementing civic works, including electricity connections.

Reviewing the education sector, Mr. Reddy appreciated the efforts of the Block Education Office, while noting that the SSLC pass percentage in Gangavati taluk has improved to 93.28% this year from 65% last year following steps initiated after directions issued at the previous KDP meeting.

Officials told the meeting that estimates worth about ₹22 crore have been prepared for repair of school buildings and other infrastructure works.

Mr. Reddy said that works will soon begin under the first tranche of ₹40 crore from the ₹80-crore allocation earmarked for development works in the constituency.

The meeting also discussed the absence of doctors during night hours at the Anegundi hospital.

Health Department officials said that a proposal has been submitted to the District Health Officer for better deployment of medical officers across primary and community health centres.

Mr. Reddy directed health officials to conduct regular visits to all hostels and ensure health check-up for students at least once every two months.

Tahsildars and executive officers of Gangavati and Koppal taluks, among other officials, attended the meeting.