Hudhud: Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation ignored high alert on power, water
GVMC ignored AP commissioner circular on storing drinking water
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-10-18 02:01 GMT
Hyderabad: Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation ignored a “top priority alert” circular regarding Hudhud sent by AP commissioner and director of municipal administration on October 9.
The circular (ROC No. 13633/2014/J2) issued by additional director CDMA B. Ramesh Babu, reads: “Ensure maximum quantity of water is stored in all tanks and reservoirs. Prepare contingency plan to ensure drinking water supply.”
If followed, the water crisis could have been averted, said sources. Sources said the water crisis could have been avoided. It had also suggested that the municipalities set up diesel generators at headwater works for emergencies.
However, no such arrangements were made by GVMC or other municipalities in North Andhra. The circular had been sent to all coastal district municipal commissioners and collectors.
“The biggest problem was water scarcity and now power post the cyclone hitting Vizag. We also asked them to keep ready power saws, battery lights and extra vehicles to overcome the situation,” said an official.