Udayagiri Assembly Constituency to Finally Receive Somasila Waters After Decades of Neglect
The upland Udayagiri assembly constituency in Nellore district, which has endured a perennially severe water crisis compounded by dangerous fluoride contamination, is poised to receive a guaranteed share of Somasila waters in the near future. This critical development follows the state government's approval of a substantial ₹37 crore allocation specifically for the restoration and strategic diversion of Somasila waters to the Pathuru Cheruvu reservoir near Vinjamuru.
A Long History of Water Scarcity and Neglect
For nearly four decades, the Udayagiri constituency has symbolized a stark case of infrastructural neglect by successive elected representatives. Astonishingly, not a single reservoir has been constructed within its boundaries over the past 40 years. Local TDP legislator Kakarla Suresh highlighted the painful irony of the situation, noting that while Somasila water pipelines traverse approximately 22 kilometers along the constituency, residents have been unable to access even a single drop to alleviate their dire drinking water shortages.
"The fluoride problem that has plagued this constituency for many decades has remained completely unaddressed," lamented MLA Suresh, underscoring the severe public health implications of the ongoing crisis.
Government Intervention and Immediate Action
The turning point arrived following a recent visit to the constituency by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Upon inspecting the recently restored Pathuru Cheruvu at Vinjamuru—a waterbody spread across 280 acres that now even features a nearby children's park—the CM was briefed on the disturbing drinking water scenario. Moved by the urgent need, he immediately assured action.
"Following his instructions, ₹37 crore was allocated towards restoration and diversion of Somasila waters to Vinjamuru tank, which will mitigate the drinking water needs of 40,000 people in the constituency," explained MLA Suresh. The project aims to store 0.3 TMC feet of water, providing a reliable source to meet the constituency's potable water requirements.
Additional Funding for Comprehensive Water Solutions
In a broader push to resolve water issues across the region, the government has sanctioned an additional ₹8.5 crore for the restoration of the Krakaturu waterbody. Furthermore, under the Rural Water Supply (RWS) and Repairs, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) schemes, funds totaling ₹30 crore have been approved for Udayagiri to ensure the provision of safe drinking water throughout the constituency.
This multi-pronged financial commitment represents a significant governmental effort to rectify historical oversights and deliver tangible relief to a population long suffering from water insecurity and health hazards linked to fluoride contamination.
