AMRUT scheme works in Kavali nears completion

Guntur: Works under the AMRUT drinking water scheme in Kavali are progressing at a faster pace, with the govt aiming to complete all pending infrastructure and ensure a safe tap water supply to every household in the town. The twenty-point programme implementation committee chairman, Lanka Dinakar, reviewed the progress of the scheme with municipal and engineering officials and directed them to accelerate execution. He asked them to adhere to timelines to extend the benefits of the scheme to the people. The review covered utilisation of funds, including Rs 22.8 crore sanctioned under UIDF and additional allocations through plan grants."The AMRUT 1.0 scheme, taken up with a total outlay of Rs 88.41 crore, was designed to address Kavali's long-pending drinking water needs. Of this, Rs 59.30 crore was earmarked for water supply infrastructure and Rs 29.11 crore for sewage treatment facilities. The project includes laying of a 19.125-km pipeline network to extend water supply to around 7,350 additional households," said Dinakar.The officials explained that the works progressed rapidly before 2019 but slowed down in the subsequent years. Following the return of the present govt in 2024 under chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the project has been revived and is now nearing completion. Authorities indicated that only the final phase of work remains.In addition, new projects worth Rs 14.26 crore under AMRUT 2.0 are set to begin from April, focusing on improving drinking water infrastructure in colonies inhabited by weaker sections. The govt is also utilising additional funds to strengthen the overall water supply network, to ensure a continuous and safe drinking water supply across Kavali. "The initiative, originally facilitated with the support of then union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, is expected to significantly improve urban infrastructure and public health standards in the town," said Dinakar.