Long-pending Krishna water project nears launch in kidney-hit tribal belt

Vijayawada: The long-pending Krishna drinking water project aimed at supplying safe drinking water to kidney disease-affected tribal hamlets in A Konduru mandal of NTR district is finally ready for launch, raising hopes among thousands of residents who have endured years of contaminated groundwater.The project was scheduled to be inaugurated on Saturday by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, but the event was postponed following the deferment of his visit. Officials said a new date would be announced after consultation with the chief minister’s office.For over a decade, tribal families in 15 thandals of A Konduru mandal have been seeking access to safe water as kidney-related illnesses spread across the region. During the previous govt’s tenure, nearly 250 deaths were reportedly linked to kidney ailments over five years, with residents alleging prolonged neglect.After the formation of the coalition govt, the project gained momentum and was completed swiftly. However, technical issues at the final stage delayed commissioning. Officials said the problems have now been resolved and trial supply has begun, with water already reaching several villages.Under the scheme, water is transported through a 10-km pipeline from Kudapa Sampu and supplied via village storage tanks. In addition to 44 existing tanks, 12 new ones have been built to strengthen the network. Some new tanks initially faced supply issues, prompting temporary pumping through motors.The project currently supplies 22 lakh litres per day, targeting 50 litres per person for nearly 57,000 residents. However, villagers say the supply is inadequate and that they still rely partly on borewells. Officials are now preparing proposals for an additional pipeline to augment supply in the drought- and disease-hit region.