PWD appeals to Andhra Pradesh officials for release of Krishna water

According to PWD officials, the AP officials stopped release of water citing cyclone ‘Vardah’ but assured of release of water on January 1 after they were apprised of the storage in reservoirs. But, the AP officials did not release the water. “We wrote a letter seeking water release a couple of weeks ago, and our counterpart also assured release of water. Since then, we have not received any communication, prompting us to contact them on Monday,” said an engineer. He added that the AP officials had assured TN of Krishna water release anytime. The AP government had so far released 1 tmc of water under the Telugu Ganga Project against 12 tmc per year. “Chennai can tackle water scarcity for next two to three months, only if Krishna water is being released,” the official said and added that as water from the Poondi reservoir was released to Red Hills lake for drinking water purpose, the storage took a sharp decline.

Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is waiting for response from contractors, who should supply water by tapping from renting agricultural borewells. “We have already floated a tender and no contractors has come up with details. According to the tender, around 400 borewells will be identified in Thiruvallur district for drawing water,” said an official. The existing water level in the lakes could meet the city’s drinking water need for the next one and half months, the official maintained. As the state has witnessed a poor North-East monsoon, water level in the Chennai region’s main lakes-Chembarambakkam, Poondi reservoir, Cholavaram and Redhills is fast drying, giving an ominous sign for the metro water department to supply water without interruption.