Minister says safe drinking water will be supplied in summer

VIJAYAWADA: Excise minister Kollu Ravindra said the state government has undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure safe drinking water supply during the summer months in the areas of Machilipatnam Municipal Corporation and Pedana, Machilipatnam and Guduru mandals.

The minister visited the Summer Storage Tank at Tarakaturu near Machilipatnam on Saturday and discussed with engineering officials the availability of water, current storage levels, and the number of motors in operation. He reviewed the infrastructure developed under the Comprehensive Protected Drinking Water Supply Scheme, including tanks, aerators, hydraulic floaters and pump houses. He personally tested chlorination of the water in a test tube.

Ravindra underlined that there should be no lapses in ensuring safe drinking water to the people. He disclosed that to prevent shortages during peak summer, both the Tarakaturu CPW Scheme and Pumpula Cheruvu in Machilipatnam are being filling up. Necessary pumps have already been arranged and additional motors will be deployed if required.

Providing updates on water levels, the minister said Tarakaturu Summer Storage Tank, which has a total capacity of 5.1 metres, currently holds 4.5 metres of drinking water. Machilipatnam Pumpula Cheruvu presently holds 8 feet of water, Steps are being taken to increase the level to 13 feet, he said.

Ravindra underlined that the district administration is continuously monitoring water levels in all storage tanks to prevent any scarcity over the next 70 days. Instructions have also been issued to NHAI officials to address water leakage issues along the Tarakaturu–Machilipatnam route, he added.

Significantly, the minister announced that ₹2.40 crore have been sanctioned for construction of new filter beds in Machilipatnam. Work will begin once the tender process is finalised, he added.