Uncertainty looms large over the completion of Vemulawada drinking water project of lifting the waters from Lower Manair Dam (LMD) reservoir on the outskirts of the town to the temple shrine and adjoining four villages of the Vemulawada mandal.
In order to meet the growing demand of the pilgrim rush to the temple shrine, the devasthanam had proposed the drinking water project at a cost of Rs. 9.5 crore in 2006 to lift everyday around one lakh litres of water.
Out of the total amount, the devasthanam had contributed its share of Rs. 3 crore and the remaining amount is to be contributed by the State government.
Pipeline laid
The authorities had taken up the work with rapid pace by laying the pipeline from the LMD reservoir to the temple shrine. However, completion of the sump, filter bed and water treatment plant were progressing at a snail’s pace.
Even, the project was not fixed with the necessary pump sets for lifting water from the reservoir. Due to the delay in the execution of the work, the project cost had escalated manifold in eight years.
Ironically, the drinking water project to the Sircilla textile town, which was taken up after the Vemulawada project, was completed and the residents were getting water from the LMD reservoir.
“We contributed our share of Rs. 3 crore for the water project, but we have no water from the LMD,” said the temple authorities.
During the peak summer, we are forced to purchase water from the adjoining villages to meet the demand of the pilgrims,” he added.
Irked by the delay in the completion of the drinking water project, Vemulawada Town Development Welfare Committee chairman Eshwarigari Ramana appealed the Andhra Pradesh High Court which directed the district administration to take the necessary measures.
Talking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Mr. Ramana said that the district administration was not explaining the reasons for the delay in the completion of the water project and threatened to launch agitation.
