Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur   

Canal widening favoured

Staff Reporter

Modernisation of network likely to be delayed further

ANANTAPUR: The modernisation of the Mid Pennar South Canal (MPSC), a sub-system of Tungabhadra High Level Canal (HLC), on the pretext of which water release to the command area has been postponed to November, is likely to be delayed further due to changes proposed in work. Rs. 100 crores has been earmarked for repair works.

As a result, the quality of works is likely to suffer as they will be hurried through before the water release schedule. "Same thing happens in the case of HLC repairs every year. The quality of works suffers very badly as they are taken up only in May-June, instead of taking up immediately after closure of the canal in January-February," a key engineer of the HLC told The Hindu .

Emergency repairs

It was no different this year too. Emergency repairs on the HLC in Karnataka territory were hurried through, even as water was released to the canal on July 17. "It is a well-organised method to misuse funds as the syndicate of contractors would not file their bids even if tenders are called early by the Tungabhadra Board. The contractors would respond only to the second call issued mostly in April-May and the works are hurried through," the authoritative sources said.

Same thing is being feared in the case of the modernisation of MPSC now as the changes proposed in works would delay sanction of works. According to the HLC officials, it was planned to take up lining of the canal, repairs to distributaries and replacement of shutters, initially.

But, a three-member experts committee comprising retired chief engineers, which had visited the canal system from July 5 to 7, was learnt to have recommended widening of the canal to carry a higher quantity of water, instead of lining of embankments as the latter too was aimed at giving more water in short time by reducing the losses. Accordingly, the engineers concerned were said to be preparing designs for excavation of the canal.

Tenders soon

The official sources said drawing of levels and cross-sections had already been completed and quantity of works was being worked out. Similarly, the repairs proposed to MPSC, MP North Canal and Tadipatri Branch Canal with Rs. 6.8 crores APERP funds were in the stage of calling tenders. Any further delay in launch of works is likely to affect the quality of works, as is the experience.

An ayacut of 24,095 acres was given water under MPSC last year, including for wet crops, in 13,458 acres. Similarly, 11,539 acres was irrigated under MPNC (including 1,552 acres wet) and 4,300 acres under TBC. While MPSC has drawn 1.85 tmcft excess water and MPNC another 0.229 tmc ft.

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