Official inaction won't be tolerated, MLA Nilesh Rane warns at Malvan water review

Malvan: The administration must stand by residents during the expected drought and water shortage, Kudal-Malvan MLA Dr Nilesh Rane said, telling officials not to harass people by demanding unnecessary documents and to carry out blanket panchnamas so that help reaches those in need quickly. Inaction by officials would not be tolerated, he warned.

Rane chaired a review of Malvan taluka's 2026-27 water scarcity action plan at the Samarth Mangal Karyalay in Kolamb. The ₹7.49 crore plan covers eight villages and 434 wadis (hamlets) in the taluka. The meeting reviewed the condition of check dams, plans for supplying water by tanker and the work of various departments.

Although the minor irrigation department had reported on 154 check dams, only 36 actually held back water properly, Rane said, expressing displeasure with the department. Repair estimates did not match the situation on the ground, he said, and the ₹2.64 crore shown as spent on the dams raised questions.

Rane directed officials to finalise tanker availability and a plan now so that water can be supplied smoothly by tanker from January. The meeting was told that about 35 per cent of the vanrai check dam work in the taluka was complete; Rane said the areas that need water most should be done first.

Source: Tarun Bharat