Desiltation of Pothireddipadu approach canal yet to take off

Atmakur (Kurnool): Desiltation of Pothireddipadu head regulator backwaters approach canal did not begin even two years after central team of irrigation experts calling for removing silt. The farmers have been demonstrating for the past two years demanding implementation of works to desilt the canal. Because of the non-removal of the silt, diversion of flood water to Rayalaseema districts could not take place as per the set plan. This is attributed to inordinate delay in inviting tenders by officials for the execution of works.

Highlights:

• Delay attributed for not finalising tenders to execute works
• Silt formation in the approach canal is delaying water reaching the head regulator

The water level in Srisailam touched rock bottom. Similarly, the Krishna riverbed in Sangameshwaram is dry for want of inflows from backwaters. The situation is ripe for desilting of the approach canal. After 90 days, with the advent of monsoon, the River Krishna might be in spate hampering the approach canal works. Irrigation experts from the Centre inspected the approach canal two years ago and ruled that silt formation in the approach canal to the Krishna river backwaters is delaying water reaching the head regulator.

Pothireddipadu reservoir gets water from Srisailam dam only when the water level in the dam remains at 854 ft. Because of the floods in 2009 silt has been formed in the approach canal. If the approach canal were to be desilted and widened, water to Rayalaseema districts can be released even if the water level in the dam stands at 841 ft. Because of earthen mounds and heaps of rocks, even if water level in the dam stands at 850 ft water from Srisailam reservoir is not reaching the Pothireddipadu head regulator.

In spite of rallies, dharnas and protests by farmers, the desiltation work did not progress beyond the phase of tenders. As a result, the farmers are losing the irrigation facility to thousands of acres. The state government has earmarked Rs 7.08 crore for 2017-18. During the past one month or so the irrigation authorities have not yet finalised tenders eagerly waiting for a contractor who would do the bidding. If the tender process is hastened, the approach canal modernisation works would be through by the time kharif season commences.

Speaking to The Hans India on the issue, divisional executive engineer Ramesh Babu said that the officials are busy in preparing the tender documents and exuded confidence that the works would begin as and when the tenders were finalised. He sounded optimistic to supply irrigation water to the lands before the kharif season. Not content with the official
response on the issue, the farmers and their associations are getting ready to launch an agitation.

By M Sathya Peter