Kakinada:The second half of May has brought in increased heat-waves and drinking water scarcity in several villages of Kakinada and Konaseema districts.
In U. Kothapalli mandal, a well has dried. People depending on the well have been forced to find alternative sources for drinking water. In Seethammapeta village in Sankavaram mandal, people have been facing drinking water shortage. Many borewells are functioning partially or have gone fully dry.
In the Konaseema area, water in borewells has gone salty. Officials are supplying water through pipelines. But villagers say this water is insufficient. Many of the people in rural areas are buying RO water, which is not easy for many people.
In Kakinada Municipal Corporation area, authorities say the existing water reserves will be sufficient only for up to 20 days. Once water is released into canals from June 1, it will reach KMC around June 10. However, officials express confidence that water supply will be maintained without any hurdles.
Yet, officials have reduced the quantity of water supply from 54 MLDs to 52 MLDs. Water is being supplied only for one hour to one-and-a-half hours in the morning and half-an-hour in the evening. Water reserves are depleting gradually in the Turangi area. People of Vidyanagar area are complaining that water being supplied is emanating a foul smell.
In West Godavari district, there is presently no shortage of water. But the situation is expected to deteriorate in 10 days if heat-waves continue. In Palakollu municipality, water reserves have depleted. Irrigation minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, during his recent visit, expressed anger why officials have not stored sufficient quantities of water in view of the summer. Officials have assured the minister that they are taking steps to ensure drinking water supply to the people of the town.
Kakinada district Rural Water Supply officer Md. Abdul Matheen told Deccan Chronicle that the water supply problem in U. Kothapalli mandal and Sankavaram mandal would be sorted out soon. He said drinking water is being supplied through tankers where there is shortage. Abdul Matheen said the government has sanctioned ₹50 lakh to RWS department to ensure that there is no drinking water shortage.
According to Panchayat department officials, orders have been issued to clean water tanks once every 15 days. Videos of cleaning would be uploaded to deputy MPDO-rank officials for monitoring.