Prakasam Collector stresses on optimum utilisation of water

Markapur (Prakasam): The Prakasam District Collector Dr Pola Bhaskara announced that the district administration started preparing a vision document for optimum utilisation and management of water.

The Collector organised a workshop with the engineering department officials to prepare an 'Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan' at George Pharmacy College here on Tuesday evening.

The Collector explained to the officials that the district is facing severe water scarcity and nearly 60 per cent of the villages are being supplied by water tankers. He said that there are 7 medium and 952 small irrigation projects in the district and ordered the officials to undertake their repairs and strengthening activities immediately.

He ordered them to see the courses of natural canals in the district are retained and drinking water tanks and irrigation tanks are recharged with rains. He said that the 43 TMC feet capacity Veligonda project is vital for the district and announced that it will be completed by two-and-half- year time.

He directed the officials to identify progressive farmers in the district and conduct assembly constituency level training to them on crop pattern and producing more crops using less water etc, from August 1. Bhaskara said that nearly 80 per cent of the water available in the district is being used for the agriculture needs while 40 per cent of the drinking water is being wasted through leakages.

He said that reforms should be brought in water management so that the perspective of the public is also changed. He said that industrialisation flourishes only on the water availability in the district.

He calculated that about 47 TMC feet of water is required for Donakonda Mega Industrial Hub, Ramayapatnam port, National Investment and Manufacturing Zone and proposed paper pulp industries in the district.

He said that multi-crop and horticulture crops give more revenue to the farmers and ordered the officials to take up large initiatives to create awareness in them. He asked the officials to conduct training programs with the established farmers who are implementing best practices in conservation and optimum utilization of water.

He instructed the officials to also create awareness on the effects of wasting water and the importance of developing water sources. He opined that maintaining water sources effectively also involves money and said that they are preparing an action plan to get maximum funds from state and central governments. He advised the farmers to opt for Fasal Bima Yojana with just Rs 1 as premium and assured that it helps them in future.