25 years on, Yeleru modernisation works phase-1 yet to be completed

Rajamahendraavaram: The pace of Yeleru reservoir modernisation works is a glaring example of apathy of water resources department (WRD) and also the government. Owing to delay, the cost has escalated to a tune of Rs 264 crore from the initial Rs 25 crore.

Though began 25 years ago, even first phase of the modernisation works has been completed fully. An amount of Rs 127 crore was sanctioned for first phase but Rs 54.52 crore was spent with which only 52 per cent of the works were completed.

For the second phase, Rs 137 crore was sanctioned but not even a single rupee was spent and the works have not commenced so far. The reservoir has 57,000 acre ayacut and after modernisation, the ayacut will be increased to 67,000 acre spread in Jaggampeta, Prattipadu, Peddapuram and Pithapuram Assembly constituencies.

According to an official of WRD, so far 126 acre land was acquired for canals as against 360 acre and Rs 46 crore was paid to the land owners. The first phase of works began in 2014 with a time-frame of four years. The government extended the schedule for first phase of works up to 2020.

There is water in the canals round the year and because of it the modernisation works are not going ahead. The ayacut farmers are not willing to close the canals to take up modernisation works which is posing problem to complete the works.