Safe drinking water a mirage in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Safe drinking water is a mirage for residents of more than two-third villages across the district during the summer every year. Total 37 integrated protected drinking water schemes, 823 drinking water schemes, 200 small and medium water schemes, 296 direct water pumping systems, 15,616 borewells, 22 NTR Sujala Sravanti Schemes and five community water treatment plants are not sufficient to cater to the requirement of drinking water in the district. 

Water to be supplied with tankers in 84 villages 

Out of total 3,979 villages, only 1,105 villages are having protected drinking water facility, while remaining 2,790 villages are having water facility partially and 84 villages needs supply of water through tankers in the district. Out of total villages, more than two-third of villages are facing drinking water problem partially and fully every summer. Dosari village in Rajam mandal, Kondachakarapally, Koppara, Rajulagumada, Magguru, Sivvam, Talagam, Voni and Agraharam villages in Vangara mandal facing water scarcity during summer.

Drinking water crisis is imminent for 84 villages and its adjacent habitations this summer in all 16 mandals across the district. Water scarcity prevailing at 20 villages in sea coast mandal Santhabommali and another 14 villages in agency area mandal  Sitampeta. In another 14 mandals, 50 villages will face drinking water scarcity till July.

To meet drinking water requirements in all the 84 villages from April to June, transportation of water was proposed through tankers at an estimated cost of Rs 1, 03, 30,000 by rural water supply (RWS) department. Basing on the severity of water scarcity, number of trips for tankers would be decided.

“As a part of contingent plan to meet summer requirement and to prevent water scarcity, 50 repair works were proposed for different water resources in 22 mandals across the district at an estimated cost of Rs 1,06,10,000. We are planning to supply water through tankers in vulnerable villages regularly during summer”, superintending engineer  of RWS T Srinivasa Rao told The Hans India. 

BY Chowdari Lakshmana Rao