BHADRACHALAM: The implementation of medium irrigation projects, particularly those falling in category II packages will not get any less priority, said P. Sitapati Rao, irrigation advisor on Sunday.

Replying to irrigation experts at the open discussion on Palemvau project held here on Sunday, he ruled out any delay in either taking up the works or completing them. "The word delay cannot figure in our dictionary," he quipped.

He made it clear that the Irrigation Department would have a role to play at every step in the implementation of the medium irrigation project, which was accorded administrative approval for Rs. 70 crores. The work was awarded to the lowest bidder - M/s ALS-KVR (JV) at the quoted rate of Rs. 47.94 crores. An amount of Rs. 2.39 crores was released towards mobilisation advance. The package includes execution of reservoir (with FRL of 132.50 metres) across Palemvagu near Mallapuram village in Venkatapuram mandal, construction of gated spillway to discharge 140 cumecs, supply and erection of radial and sop log gates. It is expected to help irrigate 10,132 acres of khariff wet and 3,089 acres of rabi ayacut. The total land required is 880 acres including 675 acres of forestland for submergence and head works. A provision of Rs. 11.94 crores was made for land acquisition and afforestation.

Budgetary provision

The Government had made a token budgetary provision of Rs. 8 crores this year and if necessary, the required Rs. 24 crores would be met for the implementation of working in the first year. The CWC clearance was obtained whereas the forest clearance was awaited. All the conditions of the Government of India for according forest clearance were met and a formal approval was to be given.

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