By adopting the best water management methods, there was a possibility of providing Godavari waters to 75 per cent acreage during rabi, felt officials and public representatives at the irrigation review meeting here on Thrusday.
Minister for Stamps and Registration T. Narasimham, MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar, Collector M. Ravichandra, Superintendent Engineer, Irrigation Department, K. Venkateswara Rao, discussed the ways and means of providing water to 8.92 acres in the Godavari delta area in both East and West Godavari districts.
The meeting was attended by a few MLAs and Executive and Divisional engineers of the Irrigation Department.
Mr. Narasimham said that during preliminary meetings at the State-level it was decided to provide water to only 50 per cent acreage. “But, by implementing best water management methods, we are hopeful of providing water to 75 per cent area of 4.36 lakh acres in East Godavari district,” the Minister said.
Mr. Narasimham said there was 52 tmcft available for the Godavari delta out of which 9 tmcft was allocated for industrial purpose. “Irrigation officials hope to manage with 5 tmcft for industrial purpose so that the rest can be diverted to meet irrigation needs,” the Minister said.
The engineers suggested that farmers can go for early sowing in 25 per cent area to save water.
Mr. Ravichandra said out of 4.36 lakh acres in rabi, the administration is gearing up to provide water to 2.20 lakh acres.
MLAs Vanga Geetha, K. Kannababu, N. Sesha Reddy, P. Mohan Gandhi, Rowthu Suryaprakasha Rao, and Ponnada Satish; MLCs Kandula Durgesh and K.V.V. Satyanarayana Raju, Central and Eastern Division Executive Engineers B. Appala Naidu and K. Ramana, and Head Works EE V. Venugopal participated in the meeting.
