Farmers worry as State plans to review lift irrigation schemes

Srikakulam: Twelve lift irrigation scheme works in the district came to a halt with the government decision to review on its

estimations and tender process. The previous TDP government proposed 12 new lift irrigation schemes in the district to irrigate 14,294 acres in Meliaputti, Saravakota, Bhamini, Narasannapeta, Gara, Ponduru, Laveru mandals which are in upland areas. AP State Irrigation Development Corporation (APSIDC) need to take up these works at district-level. These schemes proposed on catchment areas of Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Mahendratanaya rivers and other local rivulets across the district.

The TDP government had allocated Rs 118 crore funds for all 12 lift irrigation schemes. Out of the total 12 schemes, tenders were called for four schemes and process is yet to be begin for remaining eight schemes. The present YSRCP government decided to review project works which are not yet completed up to 25 per cent. As part of it, these 12-lift irrigation scheme works also stopped in the district. As a result, farmers who will get benefitted in Meliaputti, Saravakota, Bhamini, Narasannapeta, Gara, Ponduru mandals are in a worry over cultivation of their lands from next kharif season as previous government assured to provide water to these lands from next season.