Telangana CM Implements Measures to Tackle Drinking Water Shortage During Summer

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to devise an action plan to tackle the anticipated drinking water shortage during the upcoming summer in the state.

At a review meeting held at the Secretariat here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister proposed utilising water from newly constructed reservoirs, in addition to the Krishna and Godavari rivers, to meet drinking water needs and emphasised the importance of preparing plans in this direction, an official statement said.

Reddy highlighted the cost-effective advantage of supplying drinking water to surrounding villages from the newly constructed Mallannasagar, Kondapochammasagar, and Ranganayak Sagar reservoirs.

He asserted that village sarpanches should be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the drinking water supply in villages, ensuring regular water supply to every household. The CM directed officials to finalise procedures to empower Sarpanches, with the Mission Bhagiratha wing taking responsibility for supplying safe drinking water to villages.

Emphasising accountability, Reddy stressed that the maintenance of drinking water supply, taps, and pipelines in villages should be separately entrusted to Sarpanches. He expressed concern over the lack of attention to intra-village works and house-to-house tap water supply under the Mission Bhagiratha scheme.

Addressing the issue of the previous government’s claim of providing safe drinking water to every household, Reddy noted its impractical implementation, leading to the state’s failure to secure funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission from the union government. He cautioned officials against misrepresenting the state’s wealth and highlighted persisting drinking water problems in various parts, including Tandas, Gudems, and agency areas.

Revanth Reddy ordered a comprehensive survey to identify villages and habitations facing drinking water crises, directing authorities to take responsibility for drinking water supply in villages as the tenure of Sarpanches concludes at the end of the month. The CM instructed engineers to visit all villages, identify habitations without proper drinking water facilities, and prepare proposals for funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

To address the imminent water crisis, Reddy directed officials to allocate Rs one crore from the Rs 10 crore Special Development Fund to each assembly segment for drinking water needs. The CM emphasised utilising water from all projects and reservoirs in the state for drinking water needs on a priority basis.

Additionally, the government will focus on supporting self-help groups, and Reddy suggested involving women groups in stitching uniforms for students and providing necessary training and arrangements. The CM also urged the development of road networks in villages, particularly connecting habitations lacking road connectivity.

In the review meeting, State Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka, Roads and Buildings Minister Komati Reddy Venkata Reddy, Government Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, and other top officials participated.