The Hindu 10.11.2009
Water supply has to be prioritised: Collector
Special Correspondent
| 150 cusecs being pumped from Godavari into Yeleru canal |
Supply of water from Yeleru is expected to be stopped after two months
A meeting with Municipal Commissioner, user agencies will be held soon
VISAKHAPATNAM: Water supply has to be prioritised when the supply of 100 cusecs of water from the Yeleru reservoir to the city was expected to be stopped after two months, but drinking water would get priority, Collector J. Syamala Rao said here on Monday.
In addition to the supply from Yeleru reservoir, 150 cusecs are being pumped from the Godavari at Rajahmundry into the Yeleru canal and this quantity of water has to be prioritised, Mr. Syamala Rao said at a press conference.
Discussions had already been held with the Municipal Commissioner and the Chief Secretary was informed about the impending situation two months ago. “Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, NTPC and other industries, who are part of the VIWSCO (Visakhapatnam Industrial Water Supply Company) and the issue (of supply of water two months later) has to be settled at the State-level. However, we are meeting the Municipal Commissioner and user agencies shortly”, Mr. Syamala Rao said.
For an effective check on illegal sand mining and to act as a deterrent, the vehicles used in the activity were being seized, unlike in the past when only a compounding fine was levied and the vehicles were let off, Mr. Syamala Rao said.
The seized vehicles were kept in the police stations concerned. The new method came into force from October 15 and so far 16 cases have been booked and 79 vehicles were seized.
