The state government has officially sanctioned a comprehensive water supply improvement scheme for the entire jurisdiction of the Mangalagiri Tadepalli Municipal Corporation (MTMC), committing ₹450.24 crore to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water for all urban and peri-urban areas under its administration. This pivotal initiative, aiming to address critical infrastructure gaps and meet water supply needs until 2056, signifies a major step towards fostering equitable urban development and building resilient, eco-friendly cities in Andhra Pradesh.
The MTMC, formed by the merger of the Mangalagiri and Tadepalli municipalities with 21 adjoining villages, has faced significant challenges in ensuring uniform water access. A previous water supply project, partially funded by the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with a sanctioned amount of ₹221.52 crore, encountered funding limitations that left key infrastructure incomplete, particularly in the newly merged areas. This new, holistic scheme is designed to rectify these deficiencies and establish a robust water supply network for the entire corporation.
According to S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, the scheme will cater to the erstwhile Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Mangalagiri and Tadepalli, as well as 15 newly merged villages. It specifically excludes six villages proposed for merger with the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), ensuring targeted development where it is most needed. This granular approach to planning reflects a commitment to tailored solutions for diverse urban landscapes.
A detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for this comprehensive water supply scheme, with the Krishna River identified as the primary source. The project scope includes the establishment of new intake and treatment facilities, extensive distribution networks to serve both the newly merged villages and previously unserved areas of the erstwhile ULBs, and the crucial completion of all pending works under the previous AIIB scheme. This integrated approach ensures that no area within the MTMC’s purview is left behind in terms of essential services.
The total estimated project cost of ₹450.24 crore will be sourced through a multi-faceted funding model. A significant portion, ₹287.54 crore, will be allocated under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) to complete works in the former ULBs. An additional ₹51.20 crore will be disbursed under AMRUT 2.0 for core infrastructure components. Crucially, the extension of water supply to the 15 merged villages, a component valued at ₹111.50 crore, will be funded through the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). The Engineer-in-Chief (PH) (FAC), PH & ME Department, had sought administrative sanction and fund allocation for this specific CRDA component, which has now received the necessary government approval to proceed with implementation.
This scheme is meticulously designed to meet the water supply needs of the MTMC until the year 2056, based on projected population growth. This forward-looking planning is critical for sustainable urban development, ensuring that infrastructure investments are resilient and capable of supporting future demographic shifts. Suresh Kumar emphasised that this marks a significant stride towards equitable urban infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh, laying the groundwork for inclusive growth and improved quality of life for all residents.
The approval of this substantial water supply project is a testament to the state government’s commitment to addressing fundamental urban challenges. Reliable and safe drinking water is not merely a utility but a cornerstone of public health, economic productivity, and social equity. By investing in such crucial infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh is not only enhancing the immediate living conditions of its citizens but also building a foundation for future prosperity, aligning with the broader vision of creating gender-neutral, zero-net carbon, and truly sustainable urban environments.
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