Bhagiratha works chug along

​Warangal: Failing several times to meet its timeframe, the work on Mission Bhagiratha (MB), project aimed at providing safe drinking water for all households in the State, continues to chug along slowly in the erstwhile Warangal district, this despite a fresh deadline, March 31, set by the Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. In all, there are 3,936 habitations in the five districts – Warangal Urban, Rural, Mahabubabad, Jangaon and Jayashankar-Bhupalpally – which required laying of over 6,000 kilometers pipeline.

While the better part of the households in Warangal Urban District rely on Dharmasagar tank in addition to Waddepally tank for drinking water, the others depend on water drawn from the Lower Manair Dam (LMD). The construction of filter beds at Dharmasagar has been completed. However, the intra-village works are yet to be completed. The work on installation of pipeline and taps is in progress in several villages. Urban district officials appear to be confident of completing works well before the deadline. In Warangal Rural district, works related pipeline connectivity is remaining. Of the required 521 overhead service reservoir (OHSR) in the Rural district, construction of only 247 tanks have been completed. The pipeline works are almost completed with the inclusion of existing pipeline. According to officials, 95 per cent of the works have been completed.

On the other hand, the progress of Bhagiratha works in Mahabubabad district is lagging behind. The pace of intra-village works and laying of pipeline appears to be discouraging. While the district needs a total of 1,120 OHSRs, officials were able to complete only 304. Quite a few villages in the district are yet to get supply of bulk water, it’s learnt. Even though the officials are putting up a brave face, it’s difficult to expect the completion of works within the timeframe.

Speaking to The Hans India, MB Superintending Engineer K Ramulu, who is overseeing Bhagiratha works in Warangal Rural and Mahabubabad districts, said: “Barring a couple of villages in Parvathagiri mandal, we have ensured bulk water supply to all the habitations. We have expedited the construction of OHSRs and we will be able to meet the target before March 31.”

Barring a few under Zaffergadh mandal, almost all the habitations in Jangaon district have been getting bulk water supply. Intra-village works are also on the verge of completion, according to authorities. In Bhupalpally district, construction of OHSRs is lagging behind. More than half of the total 720 OHSRs are yet to be constructed. In some places, administration is facing problems with land acquisition.