HYDERABAD: Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao could well be gearing up to kick off his campaign for the forthcoming general elections by laying foundation a major drinking water reservoir in the city. The project at Keshavapuram in Shamirpet, set to cost Rs 4,777 crore, is meant to meet the water needs of Hyderabad and peripheral areas. As per tentative estimates, the 10 tmc capacity reservoir — three times more than what Osmansagar — is likely to be completed in three years.Keshavapuram is located 40 km from the city. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) officials on Saturday prepared a detailed project report on land acquisition, highlights of the reservoir and benefits to be accrued to the consumers on the proposed reservoir and sent it to the chief minister’s office. Sources said the CM is likely to lay the foundation stone next week, soon after the cabinet expansion on February 19.Apart from Rythu Bandhu, pensions and other schemes, KCR’s pet theme of “water for every household” as part of Mission Bhagiratha — Keshavapuram being one of them had tilted the scales in TRS’s favour in the assembly polls, say experts. The reservoir will be fed by water from the Godavari.“We are looking at 3,900 acres, including patta, assigned land and endowments land, for constructing the reservoir. Since 70% of the land falls in the reserve forest area, we are seeking clearance from the ministry of environment and forest,” a senior water board official told STOI.“The main purpose is to provide potable water daily to nearly one crore population,” he said. Clearance from endowments department on land allotment is expected in another week, said an official. On compensation to land oustees, the government is working out a suitable R&R package, he said.

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