Will Solve Drinking Water Issue: CM

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, on Sunday, assured people that the state government would take immediate measures to solve the problem of drinking water across the state, especially in rural areas.

Addressing a public meeting at Mutyalareddipally ZPHS School, near Tirupati, after participating in the Prajapatham programme there, the CM said that about 26,000 villages across AP have been facing drinking water problems. He said that steps were being taken to solve the issue on both a short-term and a long-term basis.

He said that the Prajapatham programme has been aimed primarily at solving problems related to agriculture, irrigation and health.

Regarding the drinking water problem in Tirupati, the CM said that currently, the temple town has been receiving supplies of 3 crore litres per day, from the Khandaleru Reservoir. He said that efforts were on to augment the supply to 6 crore litres per day.

The government has already sanctioned Rs. 30 crore to solve Tirupati's drinking water troubles, and tenders have been called for the different works, he said.

The CM also said that the number of Antyodaya Cards will be increased, to help people living below the poverty line. Further, 15,000 new gas connections have been approved for Tirupati.

He said that the government has also sanctioned Rs. 147 crore for the development of the temple town.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also listed out various welfare schemes being implemented by his government in the state. He said that this year, the government has earmarked Rs. 5,250 crore towards scholarships for students. He also said that the government would ensure that the funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes are not diverted.

Rajya Sabha MP K Chiranjeevi, ministers Galla Aruna Kumari, N Raghuveera Reddy and C Ramchandraiah, Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan, and MLAs and senior officials participated in the programme. (INN)