MP Sribharat Reviews Vizag Water Supply, Emphasises Desilting of Yeleru Canal
Efforts are underway to store 15 TMC of water in Yeleru reservoir by October-end using the Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Visakhapatnam:Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat on Friday comprehensively reviewed the city’s drinking water supply at a meeting with officials at the VMRDA office for ensuring adequate availability of water in the coming months.
MLAs, GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg, and officials of the Irrigation and Water Supply departments attended the meeting.
The meeting focused on existing water sources, reservoir levels, and preparedness in maintaining supply uninterruptedly until the next monsoon.
Speaking to media later, MP Sribharat revealed that rain-fed reservoirs, such as Raiwada, Meghadrigedda, and Tatipudi, have seen a decline in storage due to deficient rainfall linked to the El Nino effect. As a result, alternative sources of water supply need strengthening.
The Lok Sabha member said special attention is being paid to the Yeleru water system, which historically provides nearly 60 per cent of Visakhapatnam’s supply. He pointed out that desilting of Yeleru Canal has been completed up to 30 per cent. He directed officials to expedite the remaining desilting work. Once the work is completed, the canal is expected to carry 600 cusecs of water, maximising Yeleru’s contribution.
Officials informed that efforts are underway to store 15 TMC of water in Yeleru reservoir by October-end using the Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme. This would be enough to meet the city’s projected requirement of 6.2 TMC until June 2027.
The meeting discussed efficient use of the pipeline network, identifying water-stressed areas, and making immediate alternative arrangements.
Sribharat sought a responsive mechanism to address public complaints and provide timely information during supply interruptions. He assured strict action against unauthorised borewells and excessive groundwater extraction, alongside a drive to encourage apartments and bulk consumers to use authorised sources of water supply.
The MP appealed to citizens to promote rainwater harvesting and make recharge systems mandatory at homes, apartments, and institutions. He disclosed a proposed ₹220-crore Urban Flood Mitigation Project under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen rainwater management and flood preparedness.
Sribharat underlined the need for a long-term, integrated approach for water supply that combines drinking water security, conservation, groundwater recharge, and flood management.
Those who attended the meeting included MLAs Palla Srinivas, Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Ganababu, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Konathala Ramakrishna, and Seethamraju Sudhakar, apart from senior officials.