Clean drinking water a fundamental right: DCM

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has stated that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right of every individual, with a particular focus on making Andhra Pradesh a model State for the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Pawan Kalyan said the State’s intention was to tackle the ongoing challenge of contaminated water, which has been linked to a rise in kidney-related health issues among people.
Members of the Legislative Assembly Kakarla Suresh, Kondru Murali Mohan, Muthumula Ashok Reddy, Gouthu Sireesha, Putta Sudhakar Yadava, and Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy raised concerns about the defunct reverse osmosis (RO) water plants established under the NTR Sujala Sravanthi Scheme in various villages. The MLAs enquired about the measures the government is taking to ensure that these plants become operational again.
In response, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the widespread issue of kidney diseases in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in regions like Uddhanam, Prakasam district and part of NTR district, where contaminated water has been a major health hazard. He expressed deep concern over the growing number of kidney patients, attributing the rise to unsafe drinking water sources.
Pawan stressed that the State government is committed to making the most of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which the Central government has extended until 2027. He highlighted the urgent need to complete the mission within this timeframe to ensure that every household in the State has access to clean water by March 2027. He also criticised the previous government’s failure to maintain essential infrastructure, such as the filter beds for safe drinking water.
The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed that the current government is fully dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental rights of citizens by expanding the Jal Jeevan Mission across the State. He emphasised that effective leadership and strategic implementation are crucial to the success of this initiative, which aims to provide safe drinking water to all residents of Andhra Pradesh.