Since Godavari water project is facing fund crunch, Krishna water phase III is considered the best bet

The State government appears to be keen on taking up Krishna Drinking Water Project Phase III to tackle the worsening water problem in and around the State capital.

Since the Godavari project is caught in a funds crunch, going in for Krishna phase III is considered the best bet.

At a recent meeting Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, had with heads of various departments, the water shortage issue particularly in the surrounding municipalities cropped up.

There is a tremendous pressure on the Water Board to provide daily water but it is not in a position to do so in view of the water shortage, Labour Minister, D. Nagender, is stated to have said. This view was also shared by Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy.

As against the demand of 450 mgd, the Board is now able to supply only 330 mgd. With the GHMC area expanding, the demand from non-domestic sector is growing. As of now the Board has applications seeking 58 mgd of water from IT sector and SEZs.

There is also demand from neighbouring towns like Bhongir, Sadasivpet, Vikarabad. Under these circumstances going in for Krishna Phase III is the only option, the Ministers told the Chief Minister.

The latter agreed to convene shortly a meeting of the Water Board officials to look into the nitty-gritty of the project.

City legislators have already favoured the Krishna phase III at the District Review Committee meetings. Officials admit that the Rs. 3,800 crore Godavari project has got stuck up for want of funds. The paltry sum of Rs. 250 crore provided in the budget is not at all sufficient. Even if the project is implemented it would take years to complete, it is said.

Singur is also not a reliable source for the city since its water is being diverted for irrigation purpose.

Osmansagar and Himayatsagar too are not dependable anymore. “Therefore, Krishna phase III along with Godavari project is the only reliable source for the city,” says M. Satyanarayana, director (projects), HMWSSB.

Rs. 1,400 crore

Moreover, it would take just Rs. 1,400 crore to bring 90 mgd of water from Krishna. A pipeline has to be laid for a distance of 150 km from Kodandapur to Lingampally. Since land is already available, the project can be taken up straightaway.