Government sanctions special funds for alternative drinking water supply
Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka announced ₹120 crore for Singur reservoir-linked arrangements to address potential scarcity caused by El Nino.
The State government has sanctioned special funds to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply due to possible scarcity from El Nino conditions, according to The Hindu reported on Saturday.
Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply (RWS) Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said the government approved ₹120 crore for alternative drinking water arrangements linked to Singur reservoir. These arrangements will cater to Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy and Nizamabad districts.
Minister Seethakka added that ₹1 crore has been sanctioned for other districts to meet immediate needs. During a teleconference with Mission Bhagiratha and Public Health engineers, she directed officials to expedite these arrangements to prevent supply disruptions.
The Minister instructed engineers to map villages where Mission Bhagiratha supply might be disrupted and identify areas with depleted groundwater. Officials were asked to make local sources like hand pumps, open wells and water supply schemes available.
In habitations facing scarcity, officials were told to explore hiring private borewells and arranging water tankers. Seethakka also called for awareness campaigns on water conservation and the impact of El Nino at the village level.
Seethakka directed officials to take steps for groundwater recharge in Hyderabad, Medchal, Khammam and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri. She ordered that all ongoing recharge works be completed within two days and that soak pits and magic pits be made functional.