Completion of Penna, Godavari rivers interlinking by 2023: Minister

Nellore: Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana said works of Penna Barrage would be completed within a month. He visited the barrage on Thursday and said works were speeded up. He said two barrages in the district-Penna and Sangam-are crucial for agriculture activity as they provide water for 10 lakh acres in the district. 

He said the government would shortly prepare plans for interlinking Godavari and Penna rivers. If the activity is completed, Nellore farmers would get water for 15 lakh acres, he said. Minister said interlinking of these two rivers would possibly be completed within next five years.

Further, Minister visited the city and observed desilting of drains at various places. The civic body had focused on drains for preventing flooding during monsoon season and this would be completed by end of this month. He said they are inviting tenders this week for providing basic needs in newly formed colonies with Rs 12,500 crore.

Already laying of roads and construction of drainage canals in ST/SC colonies were taken up with Rs 750 crore, he stated. The main aim of the state government is to provide houses to all by end of next March. He said the opposition has no moral right to criticise on development process in the state. Nellore Mayor Abdul Aziz and local TDP leaders were present.