Nimmala Urges Efficient Water Use to Combat Drought in AP
Nimmala stated that the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project was proposed to harness Godavari floodwater that would otherwise flow into the sea, aiming to make AP drought-free and ensure irrigation for every acre of farmland.
Vijayawada: Minister for water resources Nimmala Ramanaidu has emphasised the need for optimum utilisation of water resources to tackle drought in Andhra Pradesh.
Marking the death anniversary of Sir Arthur Cotton, the minister paid rich tributes to his portrait at the Secretariat on Thursday. He lauded the significant contributions made by Sir Arthur Cotton in constructing the barrage on the Godavari river at Dowleswaram and an anicut on the Krishna river, as well as establishing canal systems in the erstwhile Godavari and Krishna districts.
Ramanaidu credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for drawing inspiration from Sir Arthur Cotton and initiating the interlinking of rivers in the state. He stated that the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project was proposed to harness Godavari floodwater that would otherwise flow into the sea, aiming to make AP drought-free and ensure irrigation for every acre of farmland.
He further mentioned that the upcoming Polavaram irrigation project would help supply water to parts of north Andhra and Rayalaseema. The government has allocated ₹700 crore for repairs and maintenance of irrigation canals and drains to ensure free flow of water to tail-end areas, benefitting farmers and boosting cultivation.
The minister criticised the previous YSR Congress regime for allegedly neglecting the irrigation sector.