Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Unveils Comprehensive Summer Water Security Plan
The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has proactively developed a detailed summer action plan to guarantee a continuous and reliable drinking water supply throughout the upcoming hot season. This strategic initiative, with an estimated budget of Rs 15.94 crore, encompasses 120 distinct proposed works designed to address water scarcity and distribution challenges across the urban landscape.
Key Components of the Summer Action Strategy
The multifaceted plan integrates several critical measures to bolster water infrastructure and delivery. A central element involves the mobilization of a fleet of water tankers. The VMC will deploy seven of its own tankers alongside 31 hired tankers to service areas with limited access or acute water shortages. These tankers will be strategically assigned to localities including Old RR Peta, New RR Peta, Vambay Colony, Kandrika, Durgapuram, Singh Nagar, and Gunadala, among others.
Furthermore, the corporation will undertake significant ground-level enhancements. This includes the installation of new hand-bore wells and power-bore wells, complete with pump sets, as well as the comprehensive repair and maintenance of existing pumping equipment. These efforts are crucial as the summer season typically sees a significant depletion of the groundwater table.
Addressing Vijayawada's Water Supply Dynamics
Vijayawada, with a population of approximately 12 lakh residents, currently receives a daily water supply of 196 Million Litres per Day (MLD). This translates to a per capita supply of around 150 litres per day (LPCD). The VMC maintains a routine of supplying water to households in two one-hour intervals, once in the morning and once in the evening.
To supplement the primary supply from the Krishna River during the dry months, the corporation will leverage its extensive network of 911 groundwater bores. These bores, which average a depth of 90 to 150 feet below ground level, will be activated to draw additional water. The summer strategy explicitly calls for drilling additional power bores, flushing existing hand bores, and ensuring water reaches tail-end areas via tankers.
Substantial Funding Increase and Project Progress
VMC in-charge chief engineer P Satya Kumari highlighted the significant financial commitment behind this year's plan. The allocated funds have been enhanced by more than 50%, rising from Rs 10 crore in the previous year to the current Rs 15.94 crore. This substantial increase is intended to preempt any potential water shortages during the peak summer demand.
"The funds for the summer action plan have been enhanced by more than 50%, from Rs 10 crore last year to Rs 15.94 crore this year, to ensure that there is no shortage of water during the summer season," stated Kumari. "The 120 proposed works under the plan are currently progressing at an expedited pace across the city to meet the impending challenges."
This proactive and well-funded approach by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation underscores a dedicated effort to safeguard public health and convenience by securing the city's water supply against the rigors of the summer heat.
