Khammam: The importance of Mission Kakatiya has been recognised by the Centre too. The water reserve was enhanced in the tanks where work was done under Mission Kakatiya. The programme with percolation pits in a big way in the district under MNREGS, was successful. More than 2,200 wells in the district were dried due to the depleting of groundwater. The residents were going to streams to get water.
It is planned to dig 24,500 water percolation pits under MNREGS to increase the groundwater in 41 mandals in the district. Soak pits will be dug under the scheme and Rs 10.20 crore has been sanctioned for it. These pits will be dug between the borewells in the villages and between the habitations.
The magic pits will be allowed to be dug on the premises of the houses and Rs 4,040 will be given for each magic pit to the beneficiaries. Each pit has to be five feet depth and four feet radius. Sand and gravel will be filled inside the pit.
These pits will help in increasing groundwater levels in the borewells located in various habitations. MNREGS officials were asked to complete the 24,500 pits in the coming two months. These pits will be filled with water during monsoon. The Centre took serious note over delay in digging these pits in majority of the mandals. Lack of awareness on the use of the pits among the beneficiaries turned out to be a drawback for the programme.
