Andhra govt’s ₹115cr summer action plan to eliminate drinking water scarcity

AMARAVATI, Andhra Pradesh: Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy has directed the state officials to effectively implement the summer action plan worth ₹115 crore to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water supply in the state till the end of June.

In a meeting with the officials from the Department of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Department of Rural Water Supply, and Department of Municipal Water Supply, the Chief Secretary also took note of the existing drinking water supply in urban and rural areas. The officials have been instructed to complete pending drinking water schemes promptly. They will also repair borewells and fill summer storage tanks with water.

Officials have also been directed to swiftly address the complaints received through the 1904 call centre regarding the drinking water supply.

Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, informed that as part of the summer contingency plan, private borewells will be taken on rent, along with filling storage tanks and repairing damaged borewells to augment water supply. He added that measures are in place in advance to supply drinking water via tankers to 1354 problematic habitations till June. Drinking water is already being supplied to 109 habitations via tankers.

Lathkar Shrikesh Balajirao, Commissioner, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, informed about the urban scenario. He said the drinking water is being supplied once a day in 47 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), twice a day in 29 ULBs, and once in two days in 43 ULBs. Kadapa, Penukonda, Ongole and Hindupur ULBs are also receiving water once every three days. Steps are also being taken to improve the water supply in four ULBs.