Remove encroachments on drains, canals: Minister

Kakinada: Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu on Saturday directed the officials to issue notices to encroachers on drains and canals in the district and remove all encroachments to protect the crops from inundation.

The Minister discussed crop protection measures with the irrigation and drainage department officials at his camp office here on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the officials have identified some encroachments on drains which are causing obstruction to free flow of water and causing inundation of crops.

He directed the officials to deal firmly with encroachers and remove all such encroachments in coordination with revenue and fisheries department officials. Kannababu said the District Irrigation Advisory Board meeting will be held on November 7 and discuss issues relating to delta modernisation and removal of encroachments on drains and canals.

He also directed the officials to give priority for removal of weeds in canals and drains for free flow of flood water. Superintendent engineer of irrigation department N Krishna Rao said there were 1,270 encroachments on canals and drains in the district and necessary steps would be taken to remove them.