The state is preparing to constitute Andhra Pradesh Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (APRWSS) project with an objective to increase efficiency in supply drinking water to the rural population in the state. The proposed APRWSS project will be entrusted with the task of planning, designing, construction and operation of rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the state. So far, the Rural Water Supplies (RWS) is taking up these works. Preparations are under way to transfer these responsibilities to the Panchayat Raj institutions for their effective implementation. Scarcity of drinking water is one of the main problems being faced by the rural people in the state. Several hundred villages in districts like Nalgonda, Prakasam etc are suffering from fluoride problem. Sources in the RWS department said that a total of 1,040 habitations with Single Village Schemes and 1,878 villages under the Multiple Village schemes were identified in the first phase for the implementation of project. Plans were also afoot to cover 1,878 uncovered habitations, 199 no safe source habitations and 766 partially covered habitations in the next five years in the state. The approximate value of the proposed APRWSS project is Rs 1,061 crore while the works will be executed in the next five years beginning from the 2008-09. The project will also carry augmentations and improvements to the existing projects in the 6,553 habitations. A total of 2,843 habitations in the state will be provided with soak pits to improve the sanitation. Samaj Vikas Development Support Organisation has conducted social assessment and evnironmental analysis on the feasibility of implementing the APRWSS project. The RWS department is conducting workshops with the stakeholders in the state to discuss the ways and means for the feasibility of implementing the project. Rural Water Supplies assistant engineer Mr Ramaraju said the main objective behind the project is to improve supplies in drinking water and sanitation in the rural. People living in rural areas will be educated to maintain hygiene. Focus will also be made to use individual toilets in the village and check open defecation. The villagers will be educated on the importance of cleaning the water tanks at regular intervals.