Panchayat raj minister Danasari ‘Seethakka’ Anasuya urged the central government to move beyond mere praise and provide Telangana with the ₹16,000 crore recommended by Niti Aayog for the Mission Bhagiratha drinking water scheme.
Hyderabad:Panchayat raj minister Danasari ‘Seethakka’ Anasuya urged the central government to move beyond mere praise and provide Telangana with the ₹16,000 crore recommended by Niti Aayog for the Mission Bhagiratha drinking water scheme. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 2nd All India Irrigation Ministers Conference in Udaipur on Tuesday, she highlighted the pressing need for financial support to sustain the initiative.
The Mission Bhagiratha scheme, which supplies drinking water across Telangana, was built at a cost of `28,000 crore, funded through loans from various financial institutions. Every year, the state pays `1,185 crore in interest on these loans and another `1,527 crore for maintenance and power supply related to the scheme.
“In total, Telangana spends around `5,000 crore annually on Mission Bhagiratha, covering all costs. However, despite our efforts, we only receive praise from the Centre, with no financial assistance,” Minister Seethakka remarked. She emphasised that the central government should honor the Niti Aayog's recommendation and provide the `16,000 crore needed to support the scheme.
During her presentation on the State's drinking water supply initiatives, the minister outlined the Telangana government's proactive measures to address challenges. These include undertaking repairs and developing alternative water sources for the scheme, ensuring a steady supply of water in the face of possible shortages at intake facilities.
“The Congress government is building upon existing infrastructure, having already invested `1,000 crore in 18 new projects across constituencies. Last summer, we allocated `300 crore to prevent water shortages in villages. We also introduced a 24-hour toll-free number to address supply concerns. However, we need further assistance to enhance Mission Bhagiratha, and the Centre should provide the necessary funding,” she added.
