Date:30/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/30/stories/2008053052300300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Eluru

50 habitations have no potable water

Staff Reporter

Canal water polluted, says Collector

ELURU: As many as 50 habitations are deprived of potable water in the water-rich West Godavari district, according to Collector G. Jayalakshmi.

Collector’s directive

Speaking at a meeting, she said water available in these delta habitations was not fit for drinking in view of the pollution of the canal system.

The Collector said the canals carrying the Godavari water for irrigation and drinking to delta areas were filled with municipal wastes and industrial pollutants.

Tanker supply

Ms. Jayalakshmi asked the officials concerned to act tough against the agencies and persons responsible for polluting the canal water.

The Collector said it was decided to provide safe drinking water to these habitations by tankers in the current summer.

The incidence of water-borne diseases in these habitations was alarmingly on the high as a result of water pollution, she added.

The Collector expressed serious displeasure over the lack of preparedness on the part of the Rural Water Supply Department in executing an action plan relating to water supply in the current summer.

Action plan non-starter

Even as the action plan was devised three months ago, it remained to be a non-starter because of the inaction on the part of the personnel concerned, she commented.