Kakinada: Drinking water shortage appears to be inevitable with the summer advancing in East Godavari though there is no immediate problem. The district officials have drawn up an action plan to meet water requirements during the coming months though sources, fear a problem may crop up in May. Already several villages in the agency area, upland and southern areas, are facing a severe water shortage. The merged mandals, especially Chinturu area, are facing a problem with motors having failed and officials not able to supply water. Authorities say that repairs of borewells and water tanks are under way and water supply will resume soon.

Already, in some parts, water is being supplied. At present sufficient water is available from Godavari canals. But the water did not reach the Southernmost areas lead ing to scarcity. Currently, due to depletion of ground waters, Pedamallapuram area in Sankhavaram mandal is facing severe water scarcity. The Rural Water Supply (RWS) officials and geographical scientists are conducting surveys for digging another borewell in the village, sources said.

They said that all the water tanks have been flushed and panchayat officials have been directed to monitor the situation from time to time. If any problem arises, they should inform the RWS officials and meet the funds requiremen. Meanwhile, the RWS officials prepared an action plan for Calamity Relief at Rs 72 lakh. This amount can be used to sort out the drinking water problem. Officials also chalked out another action plan under Non-Calamity Relief at Rs 13 crores.