10 irrigation projects to be inaugurated in Andhra

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced inauguration of 10 irrigation projects in the state this month.

CM Naidu made the announcement via video-conference during the 44th review meeting on Polavaram and other irrigation projects at the state Secretariat.

Naidu also reviewed 28 irrigation projects.

The 10 projects include Yerracalva project, Pogonda Reservoir, Pedapalem Lift Irrigation Scheme, Chinasana Lift Irrigation Scheme, Marala Reservoir, Kandaleru Left Canal, Owk Tunnel, Gorakallu Reservoir, Cherlopally Reservoir and Siddapuram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

At the review meeting, the officials gave a status report to the Chief Minister on the progress of projects, and presented a video of a miniature of the Polavaram Dam, set up in Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.

The purpose of the miniature is to understand the mechanics and practical implications of the Polavaram Dam.

Naidu, meanwhile, instructed officials to conduct an exercise to understand the requirements of the state in a more detailed manner.

"Analyse the impact of rainfall so far, availability and requirement of water and technologies, current patterns of water utilization, and the shortfalls - we need to be able to predict the deficits and surplus of water resources in the state", he said

The model, sponsored by the Polavaram Project Authority, is spread across 1 acre, and is represented in a scale of 1:140. The cost of the project is approximately Rs 40 lakhs.

In a teleconference on Neeru Chettu, the Chief Minister also praised ISRO for their timely forecasts, analyses and reports that helped various government agencies to be prepared during major cyclonic turbulence.

The Chief Minister also mentioned Rajashekhar, an ISRO official, and appreciated his role for taking keen interest in coordinating with RTG.

Earlier in the day, the Andhra Pradesh government acknowledged the completion of 80 per cent of the centrally launched National Water Mission programme that required all state governments to conduct a detailed water audit.

"We should proudly serve as a role model for other states, and lead them to better understanding of water resources," Naidu remarked.