Amid El Niño fears, focus on water security: Minister to officials
Amid concerns of El Niño, officials have been directed to act in a planned manner to prevent drinking and irrigation water problems, said Anam Ramanarayana
Amid concerns of El Niño, officials have been directed to act in a planned manner to prevent drinking and irrigation water problems, said Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Endowments minister and in-charge minister of Prakasam and Markapuram districts, during the District Review Committee (DRC) meeting at Prakasam Bhavan in Ongole on Wednesday. State Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Social Welfare Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, Prakasam Collector P.
Raja Babu, Markapuram Collector Vijaya Sunitha, Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju, along with other officials and MLAs from both districts participated in the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anam said, “The government is developing Markapuram district into a horticulture hub and providing farmers with necessary equipment and sprinkler systems. It is focusing specifically on ensuring that the public reap the benefits of the Veligonda project.
The next DRC meeting will be held separately in Markapuram and Prakasam districts.” Gottipati further added, “Under current El Niño conditions, draining water from tanks to catch fish is inappropriate and such wastage of water causes a decline in groundwater levels in nearby villages. Roads are being dug up to lay drinking water pipelines but are not properly restored afterwards. The contractors laying the pipelines must be held responsible and they must repair the roads properly.” Swamy said, “If the Forest Department officials responded proactively, the lands could be transferred to the Revenue Department and utilised for setting up industries.
Near Bapuji Colony, close to East Naidupalem, people are forced to travel about three kilometres just to cross the national highway. Officials should take immediate measures to resolve these issues.”
The BriefWire