Collector annoyed over delay

Chittoor: Kattamanchi  Tank  is  only   the major lake  in Chittoor  city  which helps  a lot for preserving ground water levels in the  surrounding  areas  of   several colonies.  

Continuous water storage in the tank helps for availability of  ground water for the effective working of bore wells. Unfortunately, sewage water from different parts of the city is diverted into this tank and the water has become polluted , emitting foul  smell.

The Chittoor Municipal  Corporation had earlier decided  to develop   the tank in  all aspects  with an  estimated out  lay of Rs.2.69 cr. ( non-plan grant).  The then Forest minister B Gopalakrishna  Reddy laid  foundation  stone for the  beautification of Kattamanchi  tank  project  on November 4, 2015.  Then District Collector  Siddarth  Jain  stated  that the beautification  works  of the tank  would be completed  within six months.  

MLA  D A Satya  Prabha  exuded confidence that Kattamanchi   tank  would  be  developed  as   tourist  spot. Boating facility and auditorium were also planned at the site. However, it  is regretted  that  no  effort  was  made to develop  the tank  during  the last  two and half years.  

It is learnt that the  contractor  of the  beautification project  had misused  the funds resulting undue delay to take up the works, it is felt. District Collector  P S Pradyumna  made  a surprise visit  to  Kattmanchi tank   on Monday along with Chittoor MLA  D A Satya Prabha,  Mayor  K Hemalatha and Municipal  Commissioner  Obulesh.

Expressing  his dissatisfaction over  the lapses of the authorities  for not  taking proper steps to take up the beautification works  of the tank for the last more than two  years , Collector instructed the Municipal Commissioner to take immediate steps for completing the task  in  30 days. `` When the earmarked budget provision  for the said work has already been done,  what is the meaning in neglecting it “ the  Collector regretted.