Khandre pulls up JJM engineers over lack of knowledge on water budgeting

MYSURU Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre pulled up Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) engineers for their lack of knowledge about water budgeting after they failed to explain the concept during a progress review meeting at the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat office here on Wednesday. “What is water budgeting?” was the question posed by the Minister to the engineers.

However, the officials were left fumbling for an answer, prompting Mr. Khandre to express displeasure and question how they could discharge their duties without understanding such a basic concept. The Minister then explained the concept to the engineers, stressing the need for a scientific assessment of water availability and future demand before planning drinking water projects.

He said water budgeting involved assessing the number of borewells and open wells in each village, the groundwater table and the availability of other water sources.