Chief Secretary directs officials to prevent drinking water crisis

Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has directed district collectors to take all necessary steps to prevent drinking water shortages across Andhra Pradesh during the ongoing summer. In a video conference with district officials on Thursday from the Secretariat, he emphasized the urgent need for robust implementation of the summer action plan to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

A total of 3,438 habitations across 332 mandals have been identified as vulnerable to water scarcity, with ₹67.31 crore allocated to address the issue. The CS directed collectors to ensure timely supply of water through tankers, lease private water sources if needed, and repair or rehabilitate temporary supply systems, hand pumps, and power bores. He also stressed the importance of inspecting pipelines, preventing leakages, and ensuring generator backup for uninterrupted water supply.

Special monitoring cells will be established at both State and district levels to handle complaints received via the Public Grievance Redressal System, media, and toll-free number 1902. He also urged the setup of complaints cells in urban local bodies and promotion of water conservation awareness.

Reviewing Swarnandhra and Swachhandhra programs, Vijayanand called for monthly Swachhandhra Days, e-waste management training for SHGs, and public awareness campaigns. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and other senior officials attended the meeting.