Special funds approved to secure drinking water amid El Nino risks

The State government has sanctioned special funds to maintain a steady drinking water supply across districts due to possible shortages linked to El Nino conditions. Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka announced the funding on Saturday during a review meeting with engineers.

Funding Allocation

The government approved ₹120 crore for alternative drinking water works connected to the Singur reservoir to serve Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy and Nizamabad districts. An additional ₹1 crore has been sanctioned for each of the other districts to handle immediate requirements.

Official Instructions

Minister Seethakka directed officials to map villages where Mission Bhagiratha supply might face disruptions and where groundwater levels have dropped. Local sources like hand pumps, open wells and existing water supply schemes must be made operational. Officials can also hire private borewells and arrange water tankers in areas facing severe scarcity.

Conservation and Recharge

The administration called for village-level awareness campaigns on saving water and tracking reservoir storage levels. Officials must complete groundwater recharge works, including soak pits and magic pits near water sources, within two days, particularly in areas like Hyderabad, Medchal, Khammam and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri that saw recent rains.

Context

El Nino weather patterns often lead to warmer temperatures and lower rainfall, putting pressure on water reserves and rural supplies. Local authorities regularly step up monitoring and groundwater recharge efforts during such periods to prevent severe drinking water shortages.