Pareekshith Shet
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EP)

Udupi, May 27: The husband of a councillor has been accused of indulging in corruption in the distribution of water through tankers in the Kodankoor ward here. Residents in the ward alleged that the councillor's husband has been selling water, supposed to be distributed free of cost by the City Municipal Council (CMC), for Rs 20.

A huge amount has been set aside under Kudcemp project for distribution of water under CMC limits. The amount is used to pay tankers which supply water in 35 wards of the corporation. Minister Pramod Madhwaraj has asked officials to distribute water through tankers for free with banners on the tankers carrying his image and denoting that the water supply is free.

However, an amount of Rs 20 each is being collected from each of the poor and middle class families in the 11 colonies of Kodankoor ward. Even the Madhwaraj's banner has been removed from the tanker. What's worse, the locals allege that the water supplied to them is unfit for consumption.

Ganapathi Shettigar, the husband of ward councilor Janaki, has been allegedly misusing the powers of his wife for the purpose. When a local youth named Saleem questioned him, Ganapathi reportedly told him that the money was for 'tea and coffee'.

The matter has been brought to the attention of minister Pramod Madhwaraj, who, after enquiry, has asked people not to pay money for water supplied through tankers. He has also asked civic commissioner Manjunathayya to take action against the tanker driver who has collected money from Kodandoor residents.