Tax Payers Association has demanded that the government construct check dams downstream Prakasam Barrage and at feasible locations in the State to address drinking water issues over implementation of NTR Sujala Sravanthi scheme, in which 20-litre packaged water is supplied to residents for Rs.2.
Every year 400 to 800 tmc of Krishna water is released into the sea from Prakasam Barrage and about 3,000 tmc of Godavari water is lost through Dowleswaram.
Similarly lot of untapped water from Gundlakamma, Penna and Tungabadra rivers is released into the sea.
Feasible locationsThe government should take measures to construct check dams at feasible locations across these rivers and make optimum use of river water, suggested association president V. Sambi Reddy at a press conference here on Wednesday.
CommercialisationAny policy should aid in State’s development but NTR Sujala Sravanthi scheme was promoting commercialisation of drinking water and this does not augur well for the State.
Ground water levelsCheck dams would help in boosting ground water levels, besides controlling encroachments of land abutting rivers, he commented.
Prakasam Barrage was the main drinking water source for Vijayawada and surrounding villages.
BeneficialIt would be beneficial, if check dams are constructed with a capacity of 5 to 10 tmc storage at Pedda Pulipaka or Yenamalakuduru downstream Prakasam Barrage, said association secretary M.V. Anjaneyulu.
Domestic needsThe government should supply surface water for domestic needs to avoid dependence on ground water.
In the past, the Telugu Desam government promoted construction rain water harvesting pits but it was now promoting commercialisation of drinking water.
As tax payers it is the right of people to demand free drinking water, he said.
