Rs 287 crore drinking water project cleared for Mangalagiri, Tadepalli

Vijayawada: A long-pending demand of residents of Mangalagiri and Tadepalli is set to become a reality, with the state govt sanctioning ₹287 crore for a comprehensive drinking water supply project. Designed to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding urban region of Mangalagiri — the gateway to the Amaravati capital city — the project is expected to provide a long-term solution to drinking water shortages for the next several decades. IT minister and Mangalagiri MLA Nara Lokesh have strongly pursued the prestigious scheme.The integrated drinking water scheme has been planned keeping in view the projected population growth up to 2050. Officials said the project aims to meet an estimated demand of 198 million litres per day (MLD), ensuring uninterrupted supply to residents of both Mangalagiri and Tadepalli municipal areas.According to officials, the project includes construction of extensive pipeline networks, reservoirs and modern pumping infrastructure to strengthen water distribution. Two pump houses are proposed — one each at Nowlur and Undavalli — with a capacity of about 890 KL each. A main pipeline will be laid from the Krishna river near Undavalli, along with a 420-km distribution network to provide household connections across the constituency.The project also includes construction of 12 overhead tanks in Mangalagiri rural mandal and 14 in Tadepalli rural mandal. As many as 14 powerful motors will be installed for efficient operation.Around 30,000 new connections are expected to be provided, in addition to ensuring potable water supply to all existing households. Residents have faced acute water shortages due to rapid urbanisation, population growth and inadequate infrastructure, often relying on private tankers and irregular municipal supply, especially during summer.Preliminary works are expected to begin after completion of technical approvals and tendering.