To solve the drinking water crisis in Palnadu, the government has invited tenders for the construction of the ₹1,200-crore water grid project. The initiative, jointly funded by the Central and State governments, aims to provide a permanent solution to the chronic water issues in the area.
The tender process will take place online via the State’s e-procurement platform. Bids will be accepted from January 10 to January 24.
The project plans to supply without uninterruption clean water to households in villages and towns across Palnadu district. It involves drawing water from the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, purifying it at a new treatment plant and transporting it via an extensive pipeline network, said Narasaraopet Lok Sabha member and TDP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu in a statement on Friday (January 10) while reacting to the tender invitation of the government. The water will then be stored in overhead tanks and distributed to homes through individual tap connections.
Although existing initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT have aimed to provide tap connections to all households, they have faced challenges in some areas, where borewells have failed to provide adequate water. The Water Grid project is expected to address these gaps, offering a sustainable solution to the region’s water needs. Additionally, it is anticipated to resolve the widespread problem of fluoride contamination that has long-affected the area’s water supply.
Mr. Sri Krishna Devarayalu has been actively advocating for this initiative since 2019, pressing both the State and Central governments to prioritise the development of this critical infrastructure.
Expressing his satisfaction over the announcement, the MP thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and key officials for their support in pushing the project forward. He described the tender call as a major milestone in fulfilling the region’s long-standing demand for clean drinking water.
Once completed, the Water Grid project promises to transform the Palnadu region by ensuring a reliable supply of safe water, improving the quality of life for its residents and addressing critical issues such as fluoride contamination.
Published – January 11, 2025 01:08 am IST
