VIJAYAWADA: Power outages are not an exception for people living on hilltops. In addition to blackouts, they are reeling under water crisis as booster pumps, which work on power, are unable to pump water to such a high altitude.
These booster pumps which have a capacity ranging between 7.5 to 30 horse power (HP) require 24hour power supply and fail to function if there is a break in power supply. So, this is the only source of drinking water for two lakh people living on the hill top as the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) does not supply water to them. Water crisis is grave for the residents of Indrakeeladri hill which includes Anjaneyavagu, Chittinagar Swarangam, Taylorpet, Kabela, Sitara centre, Inchpet, Gollanapalem Gattu, Kottapet, Gandhi hill and Lambadipet hills. And, with an increase in powercut timings in the last one week, they have been in a quandary.
Locals complain that the water supply timings are very erratic. "There is no fixed time for water supply and we have to wait for long hours near water tanks," rued Boya Sattibabu of Gollapalem.VMC officials had set up six booster pumps in One Town hill area to provide drinking water to those living on hillocks. However, the number rose to 45 gradually and all these pumps are in a working condition, he said and added that despite this, water crisis persists."Earlier we at least had two hours of continuous water supply. Now, it has gone down to less than thirty minutes," said Kanaka Dhanalakshmi of Anjaneyavagu. In view of this, the VMC council has made resolutions to set up generators to solve the problem, but officials are not working to improve the situation. Responding to complaints, Circle 1 executive engineer of VMC A Uday Kumar said, required arrangements have been made at head water tanks. "Power is being supplied to these tanks for 24 hours and there are no problems now. Even duration for which water is being supplied has been increased," he added.
Comments
0 comment