AP Chief Secretary Orders Arrest Of People Misusing Scarce Drinking Water
AP Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad directed collectors to prevent drinking water theft, prioritise pipeline leak prevention and prepare for El Niño-induced drought conditions.
Chief secretary (CS) G. Sai Prasad has directed district collectors to take advance measures to tackle El Niño-induced drought conditions, ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, accelerate housing construction, prepare for rollout of Sanjeevani health services, and expedite the land resurvey process.
At a review meeting with the collectors at the AP Secretariat on Friday, the CS wanted coordinated action to prevent hardships for people and ensure timely implementation of government programmes.
He pointed out that the state recorded a 38.9 per cent deficit rainfall as of October 8. As a result, the government has declared 388 mandals across 21 districts as drought-affected. He directed officials to complete crop-loss assessments by October 17, promote alternative crops, distribute seeds, and encourage natural farming and intercropping.
Sai Prasad wanted satellite-based crop health alerts verified promptly, while protecting horticultural crops using various measures, including micro-irrigation, farm ponds, and organic mulching.
In particular, the chief secretary ordered collectors to prevent diversion of drinking water to fish and shrimp ponds. He underlined that those resorting to theft of water during the time of scarcity must be immediately arrested. Wherever required, drinking water must be supplied through tanker supplies and borewell repairs. He said prevention of drinking water leakage from pipes should be prioritised. These aspects must be paid special attention during the next six months.
On Sanjeevani health services, Sai Prasad directed district collectors to arrange infrastructure, IT equipment, internet connectivity, and virtual consultation rooms. Patient-care coordinators should be appointed, health workers trained, and health centres registered within deadlines.
Participating in the meeting, special chief secretary (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Kantilal Dande said 514 mandals have been affected by El Nino. He said proposals have already been prepared to supply drinking water through tankers in areas facing severe shortages.
Principal secretary (Municipal Administration) S. Suresh Kumar said special summer action plans have been prepared in 23 urban local bodies.