Amaravati, Sep 30 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to take measures on a war footing to permanently address the drinking and industrial water requirements of Visakhapatnam.
He instructed officials to expedite the continuous supply of water through the drinking water supply canal from the Polavaram Left Main Canal to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir, said an official release.
The CM also directed officials to ensure regular supply of water from reservoirs to areas under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).
Reviewing the functioning of the Water Resources Department at his camp office, Naidu instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive water management plan to meet the state’s future requirements.
The plan should address the needs of all sectors, including drinking water, irrigation and industrial requirements, he added.
He directed officials to prepare a detailed roadmap covering major irrigation projects and agricultural canals besides lift irrigation schemes, micro-irrigation, hydropower projects and pumped storage projects.
The Chief Minister noted that Rs 35,000 crore was being spent on priority projects identified under the Irrigation calendar.
He directed officials to execute all projects strictly according to the timelines specified in the calendar.
Reviewing the progress of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) and land acquisition for the Polavaram Project, the Chief Minister instructed officials to complete all project-related works by March next year.
The CM also asked officials to utilise water from the Polavaram Left Canal to fill reservoirs in Anakapalli district to their maximum capacity, wherever feasible.
Underscoring the importance of water conservation, Naidu suggested using social media to create public awareness about water conservation.
The Chief Minister called for initiatives to educate people about the benefits of groundwater recharge and encourage public participation in water conservation. PTI STH ROH
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