The Hindu Business Line : Godavari water to reach Kanithi reservoir soon

THE project to divert the Godavari water (5 tmc feet) from East Godavari to Visakhapatnam through Yeleru canal is going on as per schedule and the water should reach the Kanithi balancing reservoir by July 15, according to the Municipal Commissioner, Mr Navin Mittal.

It may be noted that the Congress Government is planning to review the project, being executed by Larsen and Toubro.

Mr Mittal said at a press meet here that the corporation had taken up works — filtration plant and new pipelines — to supply water on a full scale to the citizens by November 15 or so. "In the meanwhile, if required, the water can be drawn from the Kanithi balancing reservoir after July 15. Half of the water is for domestic use and the rest for industries,'' he said.

Allaying fears that the rates might be too high, he said the slum-dwellers would get water at subsidised rates. Even for others, the rates would be affordable. However, he said, it might be necessary to fix meters to measure water usage. It should not be viewed as a step against the common people.

Answering a query whether the water from Raiwada reservoir would be reserved only for the farmers after the Godavari water reach the city, Mr Mittal said it was for the Government to take a decision and he could not comment on it.

(Farmers carried out an agitation two years ago urging the Government not to divert Raiwada water for Visakhapatnam drinking water requirements and reserve it only for agriculture. The Congress Party, then in the Opposition, supported the stir.)

Mr Mittal said the third phase of drainage scheme, costing over Rs 100 crores, had been passed by the council and sent to the State Government for approval. It would be taken up as an annuity project.

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