Summer spurs PWD to ask for Krishna water

Officials say that they have communicated regarding this with their counterpart (Andhra Pradesh irrigation department) and hope that Tamil Nadu will receive its first spell of supply in April. Activists also insist that the officials should not be silent and keep pressing the neighbouring state for water release. 

According to sources, Krishna water is released from Kandaleru in Andhra Pradesh reservoir in two spells in every year, according to the pact and the Poondi reservoir would receive Krishna water. However, the PWD (WRD), Chennai Region, officials earlier did not take any measures to bring the prescribed quantum of water, as all the lakes particularly the recipient lake was full with rainwaters.  

Sources added that it had become a routine for the Tamil Nadu officials to approach the AP irrigation department whenever Chennai had a drinking water shortage during summer and poor rainfall. “We have continuously been in touch with our counterparts in connection with the release of water from Kandaleru reservoir. And, we hope to get our due share in April,” said a PWD official (Krishna Water Project, Division I), who did not want to be identified.

The official claimed that the channelswhich were damaged due to last monsoon’s heavy rainfall and consequent flooding had properly been restored for free flow of water. Meanwhile, activists say since the summer season has already begun, the need to bring Krishna water to Tamil Nadu is of great importance.  “It is a fact that the PWD officials usually flounder at the eleventh hour, when the city is being gripped by acute water scarcity during the summer. 

The agreement for Krishna’s water supply states that the first spell of Krishna water will be released between January and April. So the officials should sense it and bring water soon to tackle water scarcity,” said K Balasubramainyan, a retired PWD engineer.