The district authorities would come up with short-term plans to solve drinking water problem in the city, said district collector J. Shyamala Rao.

Conducting a meet here on Monday, the collector said, “The main issues plaguing the district are lack of drinking water in the city, swine flu and malaria in the Agency areas. The district administration is fully focused on these issues and would soon come up with short term plans for keeping them at bay.”

He said, “At present the Eleru and Godavari canals were supplying around eight tmc feet of water which would not be enough as the demand from these two sources would go up to 18 tmc feet by 2023. If the Polavaram project were to be completed on time it would provide the city with 24 tmc feet water if not there would be a severe water crunch.”

Noting that there was also a largescale waste of water especially from these projects, he said that short-term measures costing to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore were being taken up.

To find a long-term solution it would involve large sums of money for which all departments of state government would have to be involved, he said.

He said various programmes would be organised at the Dr BR Ambedkar Auditorium, AU on July 29, 30 and 31 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of coronation of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevadaya. A ratha yatra would be conducted in the entire district to mark the occasion. He said.

On malaria and swine flu scares in the district, Shyamala Rao urged the DMHO to be on their toes and keep a watchful eye and take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. He asked them to submit a full-fledged report on the situation.