Srikakulam: Steps on to improve groundwater levels

Srikakulam: The District Water Management Agency (DWMA) initiated steps to improve groundwater levels in three mandals in the district. Groundwater levels are at alarming stage in Ranastalam, Laveru and G Sigadam mandals.

Particularly in Ranastalam and Laveru mandals, the district administration issued orders not to sanction new borewells. Here groundwater levels are depleting more than 100 meters depth from the surface in several parts. Jala Sakthi Aabhiyaan, a scheme launched by the Centre, is implemented to improve groundwater levels in 258 districts across the nation. Srikakulam is one of the districts in the State for implementation of Jala Sakthi Aabhiyaan scheme.

As part of it, farm ponds, soak pits, percolation tanks and check dams will be constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). DWMA is the nodal agency for implementation of MGNREGS at district level. Near Ranastalam mandal headquarter at Kondamulagam village, a mini-reservoir is also proposed for storing rainwater. Here two hills are in opposite direction and storage of rainwater is easy.

For improvement of groundwater, soak pits are proposed at all government offices in these three mandals including village panchayat offices and government schools. As part of it, second stage massive plantation drive is also proposed on either side of roads, canals, drains and school compounds. Plants will also help in improvement of groundwater levels.

"We are going to start all required works with the approval of concerned village level committees for its strict and purposeful implementation and appointed a team of officials for the purpose," said Project Director of DWMA Hanumanthu Kurma Rao to The Hans India.