Pattiseema scheme vital for meeting Krishna delta needs

Amaravati: Finally, the water shortage in Krishna river has proved the importance of Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme. However, there is still controversy on the viability of the scheme between the government and various political parties especially YSR Congress. The construction of Pattiseema is the most debated topic among the public too in recent times. Now the Krishna delta ayacut is totally dependent on Pattiseema in the current Kharif season.

Highlights:

• The state government has taken up the project on war footing basis after bifurcation
• 90 per cent sowing over in Krishna, 40 per cent in Guntur
• As many as 13.5 lakh acres cultivated area is in Krishna delta out of which Krishna district has lion's share with seven lakh acres.
• The total area depends on Krishna water only

As per the present conditions, the government's prestigious Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme is only the source for irrigation needs of Krishna delta in the limits of Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari and Prakasam districts.

The Krishna delta has 143 tmc feet assured water share in Krishna River from upstream projects as a riparian right. The 80 tmc feet water is allocated through Brijesh Kumar Tribunal from upstream project and 63 tmc feet water is assured from catchment area of Nagarjuna Sagar project for the Kharif needs of Krishna delta.

As many as 13.5 lakh acres cultivated area is in Krishna delta out of which Krishna district has lion's share with seven lakh acres.

The total area depends on Krishna water only. But there is water shortage in Krishna water and with the selfish attitude of upstream states, the Krishna delta did not get single TMC feet of water so far. Even when the governments of two states requested the upstream states and Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), there was no progress towards water release.

In these adverse conditions, the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme has saved the delta farmers. The state government has taken up the project on war footing basis after bifurcation by successfully analysing future challenges for water needs. Nearly 100 tmc feet of water has been shifted from Godavari to Krishna River through Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme so far.

Krishna District Irrigation Department superintendent engineer K Srinivasa Rao speaking to The Hans India said that 42 tmc feet of water has been released so far in the current Kharif season. He also said that already 90 per cent of plantation has been completed in Krishna district and 40 per cent sowing is completed in Guntur district.

The sowing activity would be completed in next 15 days totally, he said. The official said that they do not have hope on water release from Krishna river. The 80 tmc feet water as per design or excess water based on flood could be shifted from Godavari for Krishna delta during the present Kharif season, he said.