Remove encroachments from canal, officials told

Only one MLA of the total 13 from Surat district, namely Dhiru Gajera, was present for the meeting while representations made by other members were discussed in their absence.

Giving directions to officials of the water supplies department, collector Singh and DDO Bharat Joshi asked them to ensure drinking water supply to Uchhal, Nizar, Vyara and Songadh villages. A number of villages in these talukas have been going without water and 300 hand pumps have already been sought for this purpose. Officials also discussed pending pension cases, government recovery, pending cases and other public grievances.

Various departments functioning under the district administration were also given targets to achieve as the state government has given Surat district a target of Rs 40 lakhs to be collected under the Srinidhi Bachat Yojna. Besides the collector, the resident deputy collector, elected representatives, the additional collector and other district administration officials were present for the meeting.