Pawan Promises to Solve Problems of Konaseema Coconut Farmers

VIJAYAWADA: In order to reduce the plight of coconut farmers in Konaseema, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday initiated the modernisation of the Sankaraguptham major drain in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district.

The project involves desilting the Sankaraguptham major drain from km-8.50 to km-16.50 and strengthening the embankments on both sides up to km -14.50. These actions are expected to improve drainage, prevent seawater backflow and protect coconut gardens from further damage.

Its implementattion would involve a cost of `20.77 crore.

The long-pending drainage issue had caused extensive damage to coconut plantations due to seawater ingress and silt accumulation. This has been causing distress to farmers for the past two decades.

The project reflects the state government’s swift response to farmers’ grievances and its commitment to safeguarding agriculture in the fertile Konaseema delta.

Launching the works from his camp office in Mangalagiri, Pawan expressed satisfaction that the issue was being addressed on the auspicious occasion of Mukkoti Ekadasi. Recalling his recent visit to the Rajole assembly constituency, he said the sight of damaged and drooping coconut groves had deeply disturbed him.

“Farmers shared stories of their sufferings for nearly 20 years. Around 1.5 lakh coconut trees had dried up. For me, a Konaseema without coconut plantations is unimaginable,” he said.

Pawan said he brought the issue to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and sought a time-bound action plan within 45 days. “Despite financial constraints, the chief minister responded to the plea with sensitivity and decisiveness. In 35 days, a sum of `20.77 crore was sanctioned, enabling the launch of the works today,” he said.

Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu participated in the programme, in virtual mode, while Rajole MLA Deva Varaprasad and district collector Mahesh Kumar joined the event from Sankaraguptham.

The Deputy CM also flagged encroachments along the drain, stating that nearly 250 acres had reportedly been encroached upon. He urged the district administration to take corrective action to ensure the project’s long-term effectiveness.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, Pawan said the modernisation works would provide relief to hundreds of coconut farmers and help prevent future losses. He also thanked finance minister Payyavula Keshav for the fund allocation.

Calling the project “just the beginning”, the Deputy CM said comprehensive modernisation of drains and irrigation canals across the undivided East Godavari region would be taken up in phases after expert studies and cabinet deliberations.

He said the government would pursue with the Centre a proposal for the setting up of a coconut board.