Hyderabad: Telangana’s Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, has directed officials to take proactive steps to avert drinking water problems across all towns and villages in the state. With the impending scorching heat, the next two months are deemed critical.
Groundwater Depletion Raises Concerns
Despite increased efforts in supplying drinking water compared to the previous year, the current provision falls short of meeting public demand. Chief Minister Reddy attributes this challenge to the depletion of groundwater levels, exacerbated by a heavy reliance on tap water.
Proactive Measures Enforced
In response to the pressing situation, the Chief Minister has mandated continuous monitoring of drinking water supply, with prompt rectification of any reported issues. He emphasized the need for swift resolution and instructed officials to maintain an uninterrupted supply of drinking water.
Daily Review Meetings Ensured
To ensure effective management, daily review meetings will be conducted by the state chief secretary, involving key officials from Mission Bhagiratha, Municipal, Irrigation, and Energy departments. Additionally, special officers will be deployed to address water supply issues in the old districts promptly.
Exploring Alternative Water Sources
Anticipating a surge in demand, preparations are underway to explore alternative water sources. Contingency plans include the possibility of sourcing water from Nagarjuna Sagar and Singur, as well as engaging in dialogue with the Karnataka government regarding water release from the Narayanpur reservoir.
Zero Tolerance for Disruptions
Chief Minister Reddy expressed zero tolerance for any deliberate disruptions in the drinking water supply. He issued stern directives to swiftly remove individuals impeding water distribution and warned of severe consequences for such actions.
The Urgency of the Situation
As temperatures rise, so does the demand for water. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy underscores the criticality of the next two months. Despite efforts to increase water supply compared to previous years, the current measures might not suffice. The reliance on tap water due to dwindling groundwater levels exacerbates the situation.
Proactive Measures
Continuous Monitoring
Officials have been directed to monitor water supply meticulously, ensuring uninterrupted distribution. Any complaints regarding water shortages must be addressed promptly and effectively.
Collaborative Reviews
Daily review meetings, led by Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari, are paramount. Collaboration among departments such as Mission Bhagiratha, Municipal Administration, Irrigation, and Energy is vital for assessing and addressing the situation comprehensively.
Alternative Solutions
Preparedness is key. Plans to extract water from alternative sources like the Nagarjunasagar reservoir’s dead storage and the Singur reservoir are underway. Additionally, discussions with neighboring Karnataka for water release from the Narayanpur reservoir are being pursued.
Taking Action Against Misconduct
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy advocates for stringent action against any attempts to sabotage water supply. Senior officials are urged to act decisively, ensuring accountability and integrity in addressing such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is causing the drinking water challenges in Telangana?
A: The challenges stem from a combination of factors, including the depletion of groundwater levels and increased reliance on tap water.
Q: How is the government addressing these challenges?
A: The government is taking proactive measures such as continuous monitoring of water supply, exploring alternative water sources, and swiftly addressing any disruptions.
Q: What consequences await those who obstruct drinking water supply?
A: The Chief Minister has emphasized zero tolerance for such actions and has ordered immediate removal of individuals responsible, along with the threat of severe repercussions.
