In a monumental moment for the residents of Uddanam, Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy inaugurated the YSR Sujaladhara Project, also known as the Uddanam Drinking Water Project, putting an end to the prolonged struggle for access to clean drinking water in the region. Executed by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), the project is poised to provide a lifeline to the people of Uddanam who have grappled with chronic kidney diseases due to contaminated water sources.
The Uddanam region has been plagued by chronic kidney diseases for decades, affecting nearly six lakh people across 809 villages. The primary cause of these health issues has been identified as groundwater contamination resulting from high levels of pesticide use. The newly inaugurated YSR Sujaladhara Project, a brainchild of the Andhra Pradesh government, is a transformative initiative to alleviate the suffering of the community.
The inauguration took place on December 14, 2023, with Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy officiating the ceremony from Makharampuram village in Kanchili Mandal of Srikakulam District. The project, initiated on September 6, 2019, addresses the critical need for safe drinking water in Uddanam, where conventional water sources, including Rivers Bahuda and Mahendra Tanya, have proven insufficient, particularly during dry summer months.
MEIL, the executing agency, successfully completed the project despite facing challenges such as unexpected rainfalls, floods, and the global pandemic. The ambitious scheme involves drawing water from the River Vamsadhara at the Hiramandalam Reservoir and transporting it over 100 kilometers through a meticulously laid 1,200-kilometer pipeline network. The project encompasses intake wells, overhead tanks, reservoirs, and a water treatment plant in Meliyaputti capable of purifying 84 million liters of water daily.
Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, reflecting on the project’s significance, stated, “During my padayatra, I witnessed the suffering of the Uddanam people. It was then that I promised to resolve this decades-long plight. The government is investing Rs 700 crores to ensure safe drinking water for the residents.”
K. Govardhan Reddy, President of Projects at MEIL, expressed satisfaction in overcoming challenges and completing the transformative Uddanam drinking water scheme. He emphasized the importance of the project in addressing water-related health issues in the region, where contamination had led to severe kidney problems.
The culmination of the YSR Sujaladhara Project marks a historic moment for Uddanam, bringing an end to the arduous journey for clean drinking water. With the successful execution of this initiative, the Uddanam region is poised to witness a positive shift in public health, ensuring a safer and healthier future for generations to come. The collaboration between the government and MEIL stands as a testament to the commitment to address critical issues affecting communities and foster sustainable development.
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