441 water unions formed to accelerate works under JJM

Guntur: In an effort to complete the works of Jal Jeevan Yojana by this summer, the Bapatla district administration has set up 441 water unions at the grassroots level to accelerate the progress.

The Jal Jeevan Mission program of the Central Government aims to provide clean drinking water to every household in rural villages. In around 3.63 lakh households in Bapatla district, the authorities have made all arrangements for 2.24 lakh tap connections, including 1.6 lakh tap connections under JJM.

Over Rs 73.21 crore for 129 projects in Addanki section, Rs 24.25 crore for 76 projects in Bapatla, Rs 23.35 crore for 64 projects in Chirala, Rs 117.79 crore for 125 projects in Parchuru, Rs 122.70 for 251 projects in Repalle. Rs crore has been allocated. and Rs 21.02 crore for 52 projects in Vemuru. Despite the project’s original deadline of March 2024, there have been delays due to various reasons.
As a result, the state government has directed the district administration to set up water unions, including those of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and hand over works worth less than `5 lakh to these groups to accelerate progress.
Bapatla District Collector Ranjit Bhasha said training programs have been organized for the members of these 441 groups to clarify their duties. On completion of the work, the people of Bapatla district will have adequate drinking water without any shortage for the next 30 years.
Bhasha directed officials of the Rural Water Supply (RWS) department to increase public awareness about the program and expedite the work of laying pipelines in rural areas. He directed to complete 1,155 projects worth Rs 53.432 crore by the end of March and prepare an action plan to install 2.24 lakh tap connections.