Andhra Pradesh Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao today said districts totally dependent on the Krishna river for drinking water are likely to face scarcity this summer due to scanty rainfall last year.
He was here to inspect repair works being carried out on a barrage on the river along with officials of Water Resources Department.
Talking to reporters, Rao said on an average the Krishna river receives 666 tmc of water every rainy season from its basin. However, due to deficient rains last year, the river received only 66 tmc.
This amount of water is being shared by both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for drinking and irrigation purposes, he said.
The Minister said 2 tmc of water was released from Srisailam reservoir into the Krishna barrage to meet the drinking water shortage in Krishna and Guntur districts.
He asked his department officials to ensure that this water is used for drinking purpose only.
Rao said in this critical condition, districts totally dependent on Krishna river for drinking water may face shortage. Hence, it is necessary on the part of people's representatives and also officials to create awareness among the people on the proper usage of available water.
The repair works on the barrage is estimated to cost Rs 240 crore, of which Rs 129 crore has already been spent, the Minister said, adding the remaining job would be completed by May-end.
Rao also announced a memorial will be built at the confluence of Krishna-Godavari rivers near Ibrahimpatnam in Krishna district in honour of British-era engineers Sir Arthur Cotton, Capt Ore and K L Rao, who constructed barrages and reservoirs in present-day Andhra Pradesh.
