The 215th birth anniversary of Sir Arthur Cotton, the legendary British irrigation engineer who was instrumental in the construction of anicuts across rivers Godavari and Krishna, was celebrated by the members of Krishna Delta Parirakshana Samiti, Institution of Engineers and farmers’ unions. They garlanded his statue here on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, former parliamentarian and Agriculture Minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao said that people of the State, especially those living in the delta area, were indebted to the Britisher, who felt the importance of building anicuts across the rivers to save a huge quantity of water. “His visionary act has resulted in delta area of Andhra Pradesh turning into a rice bowl.” He said Mr. Cotton argued with the British government which was not keen on building the anicut across river Krishna. “With no sophisticated gadgets available, it was a hard task for him to supervise the works. But with dedication and sincerity, he completed the projects in a short span of time.”
Mr. Rao said that Mr Cotton’s act revolutionized agriculture in the State and added that the great engineer also developed canals and even began navigation thus bringing a new a twist to transportation. He said the East Godavari people had so much affection for Mr. Cotton that they even performed ‘pindapradhanam’ to the departed soul.
Intense commitment
Cherukuri Veeraiah, irrigation adviser to the State government, said that the commitment of Mr. Cotton was so intense that he stayed close to the project site instead of staying in Rajahmundry.
Mr. Veeraiah said Mr Cotton was God to the people of coastal Andhra for he constructed four anicuts in just five years. He said young engineers should take their cue from the great visionary whose actions would be remembered for as long as there was humanity.
Krishna Delta Parirakshana Samiti president Konalakonda Sivaji, Congress leaders N. Narasimha Rao, Akula Srinivas and engineers from Institution of Engineers took part in the event.
