100-Acre Reservoir Proposed to Ease Water Scarcity in Mantralayam

ANANTAPUR: A 100-acre reservoir has been proposed at the pilgrimage town of Mantralayam for solving the recurring drinking water shortages for residents and devotees.

According to official sources, the proposed reservoir, being planned with the support of the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, will utilise floodwaters of the Tungabhadra River.

The project aims to provide a sustainable source of drinking water for the town, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.

Besides meeting the drinking water needs, the reservoir is expected to help recharge groundwater and strengthen water management in the region.

Sources said the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt has already identified the land for the project. Discussions are underway with the state government to obtain the necessary approvals. The project is expected to support infrastructure development in the pilgrimage town.

Mantralayam Mutt pontiff Sri Subudendra Theertha Swami announced in Bengaluru that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had come forward to extend financial assistance for the project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Mutt authorities have also appealed to devotees and philanthropists to support the initiative.

According to the proposal, the reservoir will store floodwater during the monsoon and use it during the summer months. Officials said the project is not expected to involve any inter-state water issues, as it is designed to utilise seasonal floodwater.

The project would also help provide relief to areas where the groundwater is affected by high fluoride levels.