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

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.