Centre sanctions ₹363.23 crore to improve drinking water supply in Guntur
In a major boost to Guntur's urban water infrastructure, the Central government has sanctioned ₹363.23 crore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) scheme to improve drinking water supply, especially to three critically affected areas of the city.
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar told The Hindu on Monday that of the total funds, ₹331.10 crore will be utilised for the development of a dedicated pipeline to the Gorantla area, while ₹32.13 crore has been earmarked to supply water to layouts situated downstream of the Amrut water point. An additional ₹258 crore is expected to be sanctioned soon for newly-merged villages under the city corporation limits.
Highlighting the urgent need for this intervention, Mr. Chandra Sekhar noted that the estimated population of Guntur is projected to grow from 10.65 lakh in 2020 to 14.81 lakh by 2041, and further to 24.5 lakh by 2056. To meet this demand, water treatment capacity needs to expand significantly. While the current treatment capacity stands at 157 million litres per day (MLD), the city already faces a demand of 169 MLD. By 2056, the city will require an additional 138 MLD.
Under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, water will be sourced from the Krishna river and directly supplied to the Gorantla area through a new pipeline. The plan includes a dual pumping mechanism — one at the river intake and another at Gorantla — to ensure efficient delivery.
The Minister credited this long-term solution to the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. 'This project is designed not just for the present but to ensure that future generations never face a water crisis in Guntur,' he stated. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Housing P. Narayana, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief K. Pawan Kalyan for their support in realising this critical project.
The pipeline works are expected to take two years to complete. The implementing agency has also been entrusted with a 10-year operations and maintenance contract to ensure sustainability.
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