By: Gollapudi Srinivas Rao
The prestigious programme of State government ‘Mission Kakatiya’ which is to be launched shortly, envisages revival of tanks in all villages.
The State government has been waiting for the dates of Union Minister Uma Bharati and in all likelihood the programme is expected to be launched by this month end. In Warangal district, of the total 5,965 tanks as many as 1,415 tanks would be restored. The district administration has already called tenders for 50 tanks while the rest are in progress.
The district Collector Vakati Karuna said they have identified 20 per cent tanks with the help of MPs and MLAs. “Of the identified 1,415 tanks, estimates have been prepared and approvals sought for 310 tanks. The tenders were called for only 50 now and rest will be done in due course,” she explained. By the time the programme is launched, nearly 1,000 tanks would be approved to be included in the first phase of programme.
With a view to expedite the process and make the programme a successful, the State government has relaxed the procedures empowering the officials down the lane in hierarchy. Accordingly, the executive engineers have been empowered to give technical sanction up to Rs 50 lakh worth works from the existing Rs 10 lakh works, the Superintending Engineers were given the technical sanction up to Rs one crore from Rs 50 lakh. The tender process was also relaxed for the speedy completion of Mission Kakatiya. The district Collector said the government intends to complete the first phase of the programme before the onset of monsoon by July second week. Once completed, the age old tanks were expected to hold more water catering to the drinking water to people and cattle, irrigation and help recharge the ground water level in the villages. “A tank in village brimming with the water sustains life. It has been long time since the tanks are full. This Mission Kakatiya will bring back celebration to villages where people of different vocations fishermen, washermen, toddy tappers and others can live happily,” she explained.
Source: The Hindu