Bengaluru: A group of five distinguished water warriors from Karnataka, celebrated for their exemplary work in promoting water accessibility under the Jal Jeevan Mission, faced an embarrassing situation when they were left stranded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Invited as special guests to participate in the 76th Republic Day celebrations, these individuals, along with their families, endured several hours of discomfort in the chilling temperatures, highlighting a severe lapse in the state government’s planning and execution.
Contributions Overlooked
The five individuals—Shivamma from Koppal, Keshava Kotian from Udupi, Sridhar Patil from Kalaburgi, Ananthamma from Chitradurga, and Virappa Ramappa from Bagalkote—were honored for their significant contributions to enhancing water supply and improving the living standards of rural communities in Karnataka. They were scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu as part of the festivities. However, upon their arrival in Delhi, they discovered that the promised accommodation at Karnataka Bhavan had apparently not been arranged.
Unjustified Discomfort and Inadequate Arrangements
After a grueling four-hour wait at the airport, battling the cold, and discovering that their accommodation had not been secured, the team was forced to book private hotel rooms late at night. “The government confirmed our stay at Karnataka Bhavan two weeks ago, which is why we agreed to travel here for the Republic Day celebrations. When we landed, we were shocked to learn there were no rooms available, leaving us stranded at the airport in such harsh conditions,” expressed G.H. Puajar, Shivamma’s husband, in a conversation with the Organiser on Sunday.
Government’s Failure to Communicate
Adding to the frustration, Raghavendra, a protocol officer at Karnataka Bhavan, stated that he had not received any communication regarding the necessary bookings from the state government. “There has been no correspondence about this arrangement,” he affirmed, underscoring the lack of coordination that resulted in this ordeal for the honored guests.
Even within the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, confusion reigned. Sadananda, a nodal officer, expressed his surprise upon learning about the situation. “I was caught off guard, just like everyone else, and I’m equally shocked. We are working to arrange alternative accommodations,” he remarked. However, even when Sadananda offered options for private lodgings, the group declined due to concerns about safety and hygiene.
A Call for Accountability
This embarrassing episode not only showcases a lack of logistical foresight by the Karnataka government but also raises serious accountability questions about how dignitaries and hard-working citizens are treated. These water warriors, lauded for their efforts to provide sustainable water sources in rural areas, were shown a complete lack of respect and care when it mattered most.
In the grand scheme of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has the noble objective of delivering clean drinking water to households across India, this incident starkly contrasts with the ideals it promotes. The very individuals working tirelessly to benefit their communities deserve better treatment and organisational support during national celebrations.
