SRIKAKULAM: There is every need to protect a natural resource like water, Civil Aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said. He inaugurated a drinking water project at Rajam Sunday.
The `39-crore project was set up by the public health department. Ashok said that he was happy to inaugurate the project on World Water Day. The measures to protect water should begin at home, said the Central minister. This would in turn increase groundwater sources, thereby averting the crisis. Time has come for everyone to think of water and there would not be life without water, Ashok said.
He expressed anguish that saplings planted by them are withering for want of water. Solar water heaters would be set up at the maternity wings of 20 hospitals in Vizianagaram Lok Sabha constituency area and five hospitals in Srikakulam district, Ashok said.
This would overcome electricity problem. The public health department, electricity and other departments should work together and chalk out plans to supply power. As per the 14th Finance Commission recommendations, the Central government approved 42 per cent Central revenues to states and five per cent to municipalities. The Railway Ministry had been studying the proposals submitted by the previous governments and action would follow, Ashok said.
On the occasion, ZP chairperson Ch Dhanalakshmi said that the ZP would cooperate in all developmental activities, including drinking water supply project, of Rajam. MLA K Jogulu pleaded for water supply to the adjacent villages of Rajam.
Collector P Lakshmi Narasiham said that development proposals for the district would be worked out and submitted to the minister.
Vangara mandal ZPTC B Vasudevarao Naidu wanted measures to implement the survey report on the railway line from Rajam to Ramabhadrapuram via Ponduru. He also pleaded for early completion of Thotapalle project.
Rajam town panchayat special officer K Salman Raj, Town Panchayat commissioner Simhachalam among others were present.