Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take measures on a priority basis to address the long-term drinking and industrial water requirements of Visakhapatnam. The directions were issued during a review of the Water Resources Department on September 30.

A key measure is to expedite the continuous supply of water through the drinking-water supply canal from the Polavaram Left Main Canal to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir. Officials were also instructed to ensure regular water supply from reservoirs to areas under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).

The Chief Minister also asked officials to prepare a comprehensive water-management plan for the State's future requirements. The plan is expected to cover drinking water, irrigation and industrial needs, along with major irrigation projects, agricultural canals, lift irrigation, micro-irrigation, hydropower and pumped-storage projects.

 

The directions come amid efforts to strengthen Visakhapatnam's water security. Earlier reviews had considered additional supplies from the Polavaram Left Main Canal, including projects to connect the canal with reservoirs serving the region.