Setting a record as a tech-savvy Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu today held a tele-conference with 14,000 officials and explained extensively on the need for linking the Godavari River with the Krishna Delta. “This river linkage would be beneficial for drought-proofing the parched Rayalaseema region in the State.
Elaborating on the importance of river-linking, the Chief Minister said the process of river-linking will help in solving water woes in the state. He asked officials concerned to ensure that every drop of rain water is saved and used productively. “Divert rain water to borewells that have dried up over the years and recharge groundwater levels,” he said.
Naidu directed the officials to expedite the process of repairing isolated and damaged structures/tanks on war-footing. The Chief Minister also appreciated the officials, who swung into action soon after the breach of Adavi Pall. The government aims to keep the groundwater levels in the State between 3 to 8 meters, he added. He also directed the officials to make the people as partners in making the government’s flagship Neeru-Chettu program successful. In this direction, the Chief Minister suggested that the Water Resources Department to analyse water levels across all the reservoirs, tanks, canals/water bodies in the state and update the data online. “Fix sensors at all water bodies so that we obtain real-time information on the water available village-wise, mandal-wise and district-wise in the state. This way, we can calculate our usage and manage water effectively,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the department could also monitor rainfall in each zone and compare the data with the predicted rainfall in that zone. “This will give us a picture about the rainfall assessment across different zones in the state,” he said, adding that it will also help in flood management. To improve ground water table, the Chief Minister directed the department to install automatic Piezometres and update the levels online within two months. He also asked them to geo-tag borewells, tanks, canals and all water bodies in order to finish the availability of surface and ground water within two months. “Water-mapping and water auditing has to take place regularly,” he added. (NSS)