Groundwater depleted in city colonies as tank remains dry

Chittoor: Groundwater depleted in several colonies close to 100-year-old Kattamanchi Tank in the heart of the city as it was kept dry for beautification works. However, the contractor did not complete tank beautification works till now.

Three years ago, the then Minister B Gopalakrishna Reddy laid foundation for taking up tank beautification at a cost of Rs 3 crore. It was decided to fill the tank with Krishna water once works are completed and develop it as a tourist spot.

The flow of water into the tank was stopped for beautification works. District Collector P S Pradyumna gave instructions to the contractor to complete the works as per schedule. But the works are going at a snail's pace. Shortage of funds is said to be the reason for not completing the works.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, Municipal Commissioner C Obulesu has admitted the lapses on part of the contractor. "We have reminded the contractor on several occasions to complete the works as per schedule. The municipal council also resolved to take immediate steps for completing the beautification of the tank," he stated.

The civic chief said that funds constraint is one of the reasons for not clearing the bills of the contractor. He warned of taking serious action against the contractor if the beautification works are not completed within two months. Responding over the issue, Mayor K Hemalatha has mentioned that they were unable to supervise the progress of tank works as election code is in force.