Minister for Rural Development Dokka Manikya Varaprasad on Sunday laid the foundation stone for Kondaveedu Vaagu modernisation works, estimated to cost Rs .49.7 crore, at Tadikonda in the district.
The works were divided into five packages. It was proposed to complete the works in 18 months. Tenders were finalised and works allotted to a contractor, said Mr. Varaprasad.
The Minister along with Guntur Parliament Member Rayapati Sambasiva Rao laid the foundation stone for the first package of the project. In all, 24 bridges, a retaining wall, removing of silt and weed and other works would be taken up as part of modernisation works.
Kondaveedu Vaagu, which starts at Kondaveedu hills, flows along the 137-km stretch and joins the Krishna at Seetanagaram village.
About 40,000 acres would be irrigated in 20 villages in Tadikonda and Mangalagiri Assembly constituencies under the stream, said the Minister.
Compensation
The Minister asked farmers to form committees in villages and come forward to give lands for early completion of the project.
The MP said the government was ready to give suitable compensation to the farmers and appealed to cooperate with the officials concerned to complete the works in time.
Irrigation Superintending Engineer V.S. Ramesh Babu, Guntur Revenue Divisional Officer B. Ram Murthy and other officials participated.
