Kurnool ZP proposes reservoirs, orders crackdown on low-hanging power lines

Kurnool/Nandyal: Kurnool Zilla Parishad Chairman Errabothula Papireddy has emphasized that the construction of reservoirs is the only sustainable and permanent solution to the persistent drinking water crisis in the western parts of the erstwhile Kurnool district and other vulnerable regions.

Addressing the ZP General Body Meeting held on Wednesday, he noted that despite the availability of water from the Tungabhadra and Penna rivers, inadequate storage infrastructure continues to result in recurring drinking and irrigation water shortages. He called for collective action by officials, MLAs, MLCs, and ZP members to formulate long-term proposals for submission to the government in the form of a resolution.

He instructed the Rural Water Supply Department to ensure the proper functioning of mother water plants and RO systems across eight fluoride-affected mandals in Kurnool and Nandyal districts. He also cautioned that ongoing NH-167K highway works could disrupt existing drinking water pipelines and insisted that alternative arrangements must be completed before any removal of infrastructure.

Stressing the need for water conservation and scientific storage planning, he highlighted concerns over groundwater depletion and fluoride contamination and urged immediate attention to long-term solutions.

On the electricity front, the Chairman expressed concern over low-hanging and unsafe power lines leading to frequent accidents involving people, livestock, and heavy vehicles. He directed officials to strictly follow safety norms, repair hazardous installations on priority, and ensure timely compensation to families of electricity accident victims.

He also underlined the need to strengthen government school infrastructure, including sanitation, drinking water, and toilets, while intensifying efforts to improve Class 10 pass percentages through targeted academic interventions. District Collectors of Kurnool and Nandyal Dr A Siri and G Raja Kumari assured that all issues raised during the meeting would be addressed promptly in coordination with concerned departments. They reviewed progress in agricultural dry sowing, CPWS drinking water schemes, and solar rooftop initiatives under net-zero waste programmes in schools and hostels.

The Collectors also outlined proposals for infrastructure development, including bridge construction under MGNREGA, seasonal hostels for migrant children, and accelerated recruitment of assistant engineers in the electricity department.

Adoni MLA Dr P Parthasarathy also stressed tackling drinking water scarcity, strengthening farmer credit systems, preventing fake seed and fertiliser sales, and expanding solar energy schemes with improved banking support for rural households.