The inordinate delay in erection of three new crest gates on the Taliperu dam in Charla mandal has cast its shadow on the ambitious modernisation plan initiated more than three years ago to fortify the flood protection mechanism of the project and its water storage capacity.
The modernisation plan envisaged installation of three new crest gates on the dam in addition to the existing 25 crest gates to effectively regulate floods, utilise water resources and enhance agricultural production.
The Taliperu medium irrigation project at Peddamidisileru in Charla mandal is considered the lifeline of tribal farmers in Charla and Dummugudem mandals of Bhadrachalam division. The project has an ayauct of 24,700 acres. Though the lining works on both the left and right canals of the project have almost been completed, the work on the construction of additional spillway has remained incomplete, sources said.
The much-delayed modernisation works of the project has become a cause of concern for the ayacutdars in both the Agency mandals.
The minor repair works initiated by the project staff to replace the old rubber seals of two existing crest gates were hampered by sudden inflow of a huge volume of water into the project a couple of days ago, sources added. We have been maintaining the water level in the project at 72 feet as against its full reservoir level of 74 feet, said B. Mallikarjuna Rao, Deputy Executive Engineer, Taliperu Project.
Three new crest gates are being manufactured at a makeshift unit at the project site, he said, adding that the new gates will be installed on the additional spillway of the project in a few months.
