The secretary suggests local authorities to mobilize resources and not rely on financial assistance from the government

BB Kaveri, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka (Urban Development) and Secretary in-charge of Shivamogga region, conducts a review meeting in Shivamogga on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BB Kaveri, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka (Urban Development) and Secretary in-charge of Shivamogga area, directed the local body officials to mobilize their own resources and strengthen their financial position so that they do not have to depend on the government or any other funding agency to carry out their operations.

At a meeting with officers in Shivamogga on Saturday, Ms Kaveri said local bodies should not expect financial help from the government in the coming years and should instead look for ways to improve their resources.

She said local authorities should make 100% progress in collecting property tax from sites and buildings, as well as rent and other charges from residents, and that local authority leaders should look for ways to increase revenue.

While reviewing the progress of issuing e-khatas, Ms. Kaveri expressed displeasure over the poor pace of work and insisted that the officers meet the set targets within the stipulated time without offering any excuses. She said local bodies could increase their revenue by issuing e-khatas.

The quality of drinking water supplied to residents of cities and urban areas should be tested regularly, Ms. Kaveri said, adding that serious health problems have arisen in some parts of the state because the water quality has not been tested and that if such a situation occurs, the officials concerned will be held directly responsible. Citing the drinking water supply system in Tirthahalli, she suggested that other local bodies follow the model.

Ms. Kaveri also said that necessary steps should be taken to collect, segregate and dispose of municipal solid waste generated every day, adding that negligence on the part of officials in this regard would not be tolerated.

Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalakatti, Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth and Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil were among those present at the meeting.

Published – 04 Jul 2026 20:12 IST