Belthangady: In wake of severe water scarcity threatening the district, here in Belthangady, District in-charge Minister Ramanath Rai has ordered taking all private wells, lakes and other water sources into Government control so that water can be distributed to all judiciously.

Chairing an emergency meeting in Belthangady Taluk Panchayat, Rai said that there are provision to even pay the private individuals for the same.

He said that the private individuals and even those using government bores must refrain from using water for irrigating their plantations for at least a week.

He further said that if drinking water projects are pending, then it is the duty of the Taluk Panchayt to ensure that they take off at the earliest. All arrangements to provide funds and to get electricity connectivity till be done at the earliest.

The TP Officials said that the drought in Belthangady taluk is so severe that tanker water is being supplied to major pockets of the taluk.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, Zilla Panchayat CEO Sri Vidya among others were present.