Perennially hit by recurring drought and drinking water shortages, people across the Kuppam, Palamaner and Punganur belts are now hoping for a permanent solution to their predicament, with the State government giving its nod to a ₹1,886-crore drinking water grid project to draw water from the Gandikota reservoir in Kadapa district and pump it to the rain-shadow region.
The Multi-Village Scheme (MVS) on Gandikota Reservoir (Phase-II) envisages a dependable drinking water network for rural and urban populations in Chittoor, Annamayya and Tirupati districts, which were part of the erstwhile united Chittoor district. With the tendering process under way, officials said they were preparing to commence the works after finalising the agency.
The scheme will cover four mandals — Gudupalle, Kuppam, Ramakuppam and Santhipuram — in the Kuppam Assembly constituency, and Palamaner, Baireddipalle, Gangavaram, Peddapanjani and V. Kota mandals in the Palamaner Assembly constituency in Chittoor district.
In Annamayya district, the project will cover Chowdepalle, Pulicherla, Punganur, Rompicherla, Somala and Sodum mandals in the Punganur Assembly constituency. In Tirupati district, Chandragiri, Chinnagottigallu and Yerravaripalem mandals have been proposed for coverage.
A key feature of the project is the provision of a reliable water supply to Dravidian University and the Government Area Hospital in Kuppam, benefiting students, patients and staff.
A senior Rural Water Works official said the mega project was conceived against the backdrop of the region’s heavy dependence on groundwater.
“During summer, falling groundwater levels and drying borewells frequently force villages to depend on tankers and other temporary arrangements. This project will significantly reduce the dependence on groundwater. Once the tender process is completed, the technical and financial bids will be evaluated before the work is awarded to the selected agency,” the official said.
Published – August 30, 2026 06:05 pm IST
