Public Works Department doubtful of Krishna water

With the water level in the Kandaleru reservoir steadily declining, the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department officials here suspect that the AP government may stop the release of Krishna water any time. Sources from TN PWD (WRD) said that at present, Kandaleru reservoir has only 8.6 tmc of water. As per the pact under the Telugu Ganga Project, the AP government has to release water only when the level in the reservoir is over 8 tmc. 

“There is a possibility that AP will stop the release of water and it will be a major setback for Chennai Metro Water Board,” a senior PWD official said. “Last year the AP government had released 0.99 tmc of water. The supply was stopped after cyclone Vardah hit Tamil Nadu. However, there weren’t rains as expected and TN was declared drought hit. Following the intervention of the Chief Minister, the AP government assured to release Krishna water. Since then, the Poondi reservoir has received only 0.4 tmc of water,” said a PWD official. 

Since September 2016, the reservoir has received only 1.39 tmc of water. We are sceptical about the AP government releasing the remaining amount at a time when they also need water for both irrigation and drinking,” said another official. 

The Poondi reservoir had 749 million cubic feet of water two days ago. Water is being continuously released to Red Hills lake for drinking water purpose. Meanwhile, officials from Chennai Metro Water Board Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) said they are looking at alternate means to tackle the water crisis. 

“Though Krishna water plays a vital role in mitigating drinking water scarcity, we are in the process of sourcing ground water from areas in and around Chennai,” said an official adding that “We have already started tapping water from rented bore-wells and are supplying the same without interruption.”