PR&RD Minister directs officials to prepare for summer drinking water needs

HYDERABAD

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka has directed officials to take measures in advance to prevent drinking water shortages during the coming summer, citing the all likely impact of El Nino.

Reviewing the programmes of the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply departments at a regional meeting at the Rangareddy District Collectorate on Saturday, she said 19 reservoirs were supplying drinking water to the erstwhile Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy and Medak districts.

While most reservoirs had adequate storage, Singur had less than the required level, she said, stressing the need to appoint a special officer to monitor drinking water supply in the area, while efforts to divert water from Nizamsagar to Singur should be expedited.

Singur currently had water reserves for about 54 days. By using local water sources, the department was taking measures to extend the availability to about 75 days, she said.

Ms. Seethakka also directed officials to constitute three-member Drinking Water Management Committees in every mandal. The committees should assess water availability, identify alternative sources and pay special attention to tribal areas and Chenchu hamlets.

With agricultural activity likely to decline due to dry conditions, eligible families should be provided employment under the rural employment guarantee scheme, she said. About ₹6,000 crore was available for the programme and officials should use the funds for infrastructure and water conservation works.

As many as 5,118 gram panchayats in the State did not have their own buildings and the government had sanctioned ₹1,000 crore for their construction, she said. Works on 3,269 buildings had reached 70% completion and the remaining buildings were targeted for completion this year.

Buildings for women’s groups were also being constructed in 8,000 villages at a cost of ₹800 crore, with the works in final stages, she said.