Pawan Kalyan Directs Officials to Speed Up Jal Jeevan Mission Projects

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amarajeevi Jaladhara mega drinking water projects in Palnadu and Prakasam districts. Reviewing the progress of the projects with Rural Water Supply (RWS) officials, he stressed the need to complete the works within the stipulated timeline to provide safe drinking water to every household.

Highlighting the possible impact of El Niño and the resulting drought-like conditions, Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to take proactive measures to prevent drinking water shortages, particularly in vulnerable regions. He also said that special attention should be given to areas expected to face severe water scarcity during the coming months.

Officials informed the Deputy Chief Minister that the two mega water grid projects are being developed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹2,500 crore. The Prakasam Mega Water Grid, with an estimated cost of ₹1,290 crore, aims to provide drinking water to 593 habitations across seven Assembly constituencies. Construction of intake wells has crossed 40% completion, while work on a 119 MLD water treatment plant, reservoirs, and balancing tanks is progressing. Around 53 km of pipeline has already been completed.

The Palnadu Water Grid, being developed at a cost of around ₹1,200 crore, is designed to supply drinking water to 235 habitations. Officials said 152 km of pipeline network has been laid so far, with intake wells, reservoirs, and overhead tanks under construction. Works worth ₹95 crore have already been completed.

Pawan Kalyan emphasized that there should be no compromise on quality and instructed officials to resolve issues such as forest clearances and pipeline connectivity without delay. He also announced that, after fully recovering from his shoulder surgery, he would personally inspect the project sites to monitor the quality and progress of the works. Once completed, the two mega water grid projects are expected to provide permanent drinking water security to more than 1.6 million people across nearly 10 Assembly constituencies.