Villages in AP to get bottled mineral water from Aug 15

Villages in Andhra Pradesh will be supplied bottled 'mineral water' rather than piped water from the coming Independence Day. 

Mini plants for bottling water will be set up in villages having a population of 1,500 and above and the local women self-help groups will be entrusted with the responsibility of running the plant, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy told reporters while inaugurating the two-day conference of District Collectors here today. 

"Each bottling plant will cost just about Rs two lakh and can supply water to a population of 1500 people," he said. 

The scheme would be launched on August 15, he said adding 60 per cent of the villages would be covered in a year. 

"What we are supplying now is only piped water, which is not really safe. We can take it up as a challenge and supply safe drinking water by setting up these bottling units," Reddy said.

He said emphasis would also be on providing safe drinking water to all tribal habitations in the state. 

The Chief Minister asked the District Collectors to be accessible always to the people and promptly act on their petitions. 

"People's satisfaction levels are very important for us. So, be pro-active and dynamic in redressing the grievances of the people," he said. He also directed them to take effective steps to keep prices of essential commodities under take. 

"Don't let unscrupulous traders have a free run in the name of open market economy. There should be proper checks and balances and hoarders should be reined in," Reddy added.