Focus on desilting of tanks: Goutham Reddy

Nellore: Minister for Industries and IT Mekapati Goutham Reddy suggested officials to focus on desilting of the tanks rather than digging farm ponds. He reviewed with the officials in Atmakur on Tuesday and asked them to resolve irrigation problems in the constituency.

The Minister asked the officials to prepare a report before August 15 or 16 on the issues for improving conditions in Atkamur and Udayagiri constituencies. District Collector MV Seshagiri Babu informed the Minister that they would prefer desilting of irrigation tanks first and take up farm ponds latter depending on the necessity.

Superintending Engineer of APSPDCL Vijayakumar Reddy said that they were supplying 9-hour free power to farmers in Atmakur and Udayagiri constituencies. He stated out of 98 feeders in the region only 52 have been working and they would deploy teams for resolving breakdowns in the areas for hassle-free supply of power. He said many assistant engineers are not willing to work in the remote constituencies due to low access and he proposed for some incentive for working in these areas.

District Coordinator of Health Services (DCHS) Dr A Subba Rao said that though the district headquarters hospital in Atmakur has been upgraded from 100 beds to 150 but there are no facilities proportionate to the enhanced capacity in terms of number of doctors, and para medical staff.

District Collector said that if the government is ready to provide staff, they can install required equipment from the CSR funds. He asked the Minister to take initiative for deputation of staff. Superintending Engineer of RWS Nagajyothi said that they were supplying water for 27 villages in Atmakur constituency.

The Minister asked her to prepare a status report on the issues. He also reviewed with the officials of various other departments. Goutham received grievances from the local people. Atmakur RDO K Uma Devi, Special Collector of Telugu Ganga Project Sada Bhargavi, and others were present.