Hyderabad Dec 8: Several areas in the rich coastal Godavari districts are facing a threat of losing drinking water supply because of oil exploration in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
Recent studies found out the salinity levels in drinking water in villages near the offshore operations points in the East Godavari district. Official sources said the state government had planned safe drinking water supply systems and looked for Central assistance in the 13th Finance Commission.
The finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Monday suggested that the project should be positioned as “state specific” for assistance, along with other projects like Bhoobharati, scientific method of maintaining land records, marine policing, development of Kolleru and Pulicat lakes and livestock research centre at Pulivendula.
“Under the state specific category, we shall convince the Centre that either the problem faced by the state is unique in nature or addressing it in the state will also have an impact on the neighbouring states,” a senior official pointed out. Sources said the finance minister asked the departments to prepare detailed project reports with actual estimates. The state, which got Rs 500 crore state specific assistance in the 12th finance commission, will try to lobby for Rs 1,500 crore this time.
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