The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Thatipudi channel to be modernised

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Thursday, Mar 13, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Thatipudi channel to be modernised

Correspondent

State to seek assistance from Japanese bank

Masonry and drainage structures of the project are in a dilapidated condition
Cost may go up from the Rs. 33.21 lakhs initially estimated

VIZIANAGARAM: For the first time since the construction of the Thatipudi reservoir project across the Gosthani in 1968, the government has decided to modernise the channel system in Gantyada mandal.

Revised report

Keeping in view the ramshackle masonry structures such as sluices, weirs, division dams etc. and also the woes of tail-end farmers, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, while participating in Indiramma gram sabha at Korlam village in the same mandal in February 2006, assured them that the channel system would be strengthened as early as possible.

Accordingly, estimates proposing Rs.33.21 lakhs were prepared. Now, with the soaring prices of cement and steel during the past couple of years, the cost is likely to go up. The government has decided to seek financial assistance from the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation for the works. The revised report will be submitted to the government for clearance this month-end, according to Executive Engineer (Thatipudi) K. Ram Mohana Rao.

The Muttah and Penta Srirampuram Channels of the reservoir that irrigates 15,366 acres in 35 villages in Gantyada, Jami and S. Kota mandals have to be repaired to check seepages and transmission losses to supply water to tail-end ayacut of nearly 5,000 acres in Thelagapalem in Jami mandal and Pollanki, Regubilli and Donkada villages in Gantayada mandal.

These farmers have been facing severe problem even during kharif season. Vemulapalli groyne, Chamalapalli anicut and Rubbivanicut along the main channels have to be repaired to stabilise the ayacut.

Urgent repairs

M. Rajendra Kumar, AEE (Jami mandal) has informed The Hindu that some 7,898 acres of ayacut out of 15,366 acres is being fed through 109 minor and marginal tanks and they have to be improved. According to him, all the masonry and drainage structures are in a dilapidated condition and require urgent repairs. Once lining of the main and branch channels are completed, releasing water during rabi is possible in addition to reducing operational and maintenance cost in future, Mr. Kumar felt.

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