Dharwad: Members of the district unit of JD (U) observed dharna infront of Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Tuesday demanding action for upgradation of Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI) and restoration of century old Kelageri tank in Dharwad.

The members who raised slogans against the lethargic attitude of the government later submitted a memorandum to the district administration in the evening seeking an early action in this regard.

The memorandum said the state government set up WALMI in 1985 under World Bank project, aiming for the development of agriculture and irrigation projects in this part of the region.

But the institute haunted by staff crunch and failure in management failed in responding to the needs of the farming community. Authorities failed to conduct proper training programmes here; besides, people had no information on the working of the institute. Meanwhile, the WALMI set up in Maharastra was doing tremendous job they said.

Steps be taken to provide necessary staff, basic facilities and appoint an administrative committee to run the institute, the leaders urged.

They also urged the district administration to take proper action for restoring century old Kelageri tank, which in the past, fed water to Dharwad.

JD(U) District President Shreeshailgouda Kamatar and others took part.