Nellore, Sept. 30: Government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to address the drinking water needs of Srikalahasthi, Tiruchanoor, Tirupati, Srinivasamangapuram and Chittoor town at an estimated cost of Rs 340 crore. The TTD will share 50 percent of the cost while the balance will be borne by state government and the Srinivasa Trust belonging to Chittoor MP and TTD chairman, Mr DK Audikesavulu Naidu, at the rate of 25 per cent each. Pipelines will be laid, connecting existing storage points like Kailasagiri and Kalyani dam for effective utilization of Telugu Ganga water, which is being drawn to these points from the Saiganga canal (Kandaleru - Poondi canal) for Tirupati and Tirumala. "The comprehensive scheme will be a permanent solution, not only for the temple towns, but also for 1,000 water starved villages located between Chittoor and Srikalahasthi," Mr Audikesavulu Naidu said. He spoke to reporters after taking part in an awareness programme on the TTD's mass marriage initiative, Kalyanamasthu, at Sri Kasturba Kalakshetra here on Tuesday. Reacting to a complaint over bribes being demanded by TTD staff from pilgrims, he said that they had strengthened the vigilance department to put an end to such practices. He said that the sacred thali bottu will be kept at the feet of the Lord Venkateswara. He said that marriages will be held on November 2 all over the state. He assured to make arrangements for the weddings at towns nearest the couple's hometowns provided there were more than 50 couples. "We will provide free food to 60 relatives of each couple and free darshan to six members at the holy shrine. Marriages will be held at the TTD kalyana mandapam in Nellore town as well as at Swarnabharathi Trust at Venkatachalam near Nellore town," the chairman said. The district collector, Mr K Ramgopal, urged eligible couples to produce certificates for age proof and affidavits related to parents' consent for the marriage. The bridegroom should be 21 years old and the bride, 18 year old, to be eligible for the marriage under the programme, he noted. He said that the TTD has been spending anywhere between Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 on each couple for the marriage. District Revenue Officer, Mr Jayaramaiah, former ZP chairman, Mr Chanchal Babu Yadav, dharmika mandali members and others took part in the programme.