VIJAYAWADA: The long-awaited Pulivendula Mega Water Grid project, envisaged to provide a permanent solution to the drinking water woes of people across Pulivendula constituency and adjoining areas, has gained fresh momentum with 96 per cent of the works now completed, following the special intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Nearly Rs 280 crore has been mobilised for the project under the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amarajeevi Jaladhara programmes.
The project, originally taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 480 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is aimed at meeting the drinking water needs of nearly 5.5 lakh people across seven mandals.
The works had reportedly suffered delays and neglect during the previous government, leaving the project incomplete for a prolonged period.
After the coalition government assumed office in 2024, Pawan Kalyan directed officials to speed up the project works. Following efforts by the State government and coalition leaders, the Centre agreed to extend the Jal Jeevan Mission by another four years, enabling the State to utilise the available funds and revive the Pulivendula project to supply drinking water to 5.5 lakh people.