THE US$ 210 million Krishna drinking water supply project, which will supply 90 mgd to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad in India, should be completed by January or February 2004. Efforts are being made by the government to streamline supply to domestic and industrial consumers during the upcoming summer.
The State Minister for Tourism, Mr. Srinivas Yadav, addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, said that tenders for the main pipeline have already been completed, and some other tenders were at an advanced stage of being awarded to private developers.
"We are committed to the project and have firmed up the necessary finances. While Rs 3000 million (US$ 63 m) is being garnered by the State, HUDCO has extended an Rs 3500-million (US$ 73 m) loan, and the balance of Rs 3500 million will be mobilised by floating bonds and from financial institutions," he said.
This year, inadequate rainfall caused problems for drinking water supply. Water flow into the reservoir was inadequate, which necessitated a new plan of action to meet the growing water requirement during summer. "If necessary, we will reschedule water supply to industrial consumers and meet the requirement during the peak season," he said.
The state government estimated a shortfall of about 28 mgd over the next two to three months during summer. "This we plan to address by partially rescheduling supplies and imposing some cuts on industrial users," he said.
