With the Godavari water set to join river Krishna at Ferry village on the city outskirts on Wednesday, the State Government is now focusing on expediting the Polavaram dam works and has set March 2018 as target to complete the works.
For constructing the Pattiseema lift irrigation project, 1.30 crore cubic metres of sand was dug up. Irrigation officials inform that for constructing Polavaram Dam, nearly 9 crore cubic metres of sand needs to be dug up.
“It is a gigantic task but we will work with double speed and complete the works by March 2018,” said Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao at Ferry village, the confluence point of Godavari and Krishna rivers here on Tuesday.
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Despite the criticism from Opposition parties, the Pattiseema lift irrigation project was completed in a record span. The project had to be completed by March 2016 but it is completed by September 2015 and this is an example of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment in making the State drought-free, he said.
Generally, Godavari floods occur in June or July and the Government wanted to complete the project by August 2015 to draw whatever little flood water was available for the benefit of farmers.
Every year about 1100 tmc of Godavari water, which is equivalent to 400 times of Prakasam Barrage capacity, is released into the sea. “Through Pattiseema project we are drawing 80 tmc feet of water, which is equivalent to 30 times of Prakasam Barrage capacity,” said Mr. Rao.
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The Chief Minister stood by his word in completing the project and saving the interests of farmers. He will be operating the first pump at Pattiseema project in West Godavari and arrive at Ferry village to perform special pujas to mark the confluence of both the rivers. Later, he will address farmers at the public meeting in the village about the grand plans to make the State drought-free, added Mr. Rao.
Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao said that there was a need to construct another barrage on the likes of Prakasam Barrage to cater to the irrigation needs of Krishna delta and address the drinking water requirement.
There have been reports about a barrage being planned at Damuluru on the city outskirts, however Mr. Rao said things have not been finalized yet. “We are still seeking opinions from experts and officials. Based on their feedback, other decisions would be taken” said Mr. Rao.
Pattiseema lift irrigation GO was released on January 1, 2015. Foundation was laid by Chief Minister on March 29 in connection with Telugu Desam party Formation Day. It was dedicated to the nation on August 15. It was taken up at a cost of Rs.1,400 crore.