Mysore/Mysuru: A workshop to train Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) in testing water quality using Field Test Kits (FTK) was held at the Abdul Nazir Sab auditorium in Zilla Panchayat premises on Wednesday.

Zilla Panchayat (ZP) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) K.M. Gayathri inaugurated the workshop, which was conducted in three different batches.

PDOs from Mysuru, Nanjangud, and T. Narasipur taluks attended the workshop at the ZP, while PDOs from H.D. Kote, Sargur, and Hunsur taluks attended at the H.D. Kote Taluk Panchayat (TP) auditorium. PDOs from K.R. Nagar, Saligrama and Periyapatna taluks attended at the K.R. Nagar TP auditorium.

Addressing the participants, ZP CEO Gayathri emphasised the responsibility of Panchayats to supply pure and safe water to the public by testing water samples. She directed the officers to take precautions to test all water sources and clean Overhead Water Tanks and water tanks regularly to prevent contamination. After testing, water sample reports should be uploaded on the Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) Portal, she added.

Gayathri also apprised the PDOs about the responsibilities and functioning of WQMIS. Participants at the H.D. Kote and K.R. Nagar TP auditoriums received instructions from the CEO through video interaction.

Ranjith Kumar, Executive Engineer (EE) of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Board (KUWS&DB), also spoke, explaining the precautions necessary to prevent water contamination at the village level, including conducting H2S tests and using Field Test Kits.

ZP Dy. Secretary (Development) Dr. Krishnaraju, along with Savitha, Meghala, Planning Officer Rudresh, Dy. Directors and Executive Officers (EOs) of all TPs, AEEs & PDOs were present.

Practical Training

Lab technicians from the District Laboratory received practical training on the methods to follow when testing water samples using Field Test Kits and steps to take after conducting the tests. Before this, they received hands-on training in verifying reports on the WQMIS portal.