Yeleru Reservoir Modernisation Cost Soars 3.5-fold to Rs.840 Crore from Rs. 240 Crore

Kakinada: After nearly two decades of delays, the proposed modernisation of the Yeleru Reservoir project has seen its estimated cost surge 3.5 times to Rs.840 crore from the original Rs.240 crore, putting the long-pending project under renewed financial strain.

The project provides irrigation water to about 53,000 acres, besides supplying drinking water to Visakhapatnam city and industrial water to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. It has been plagued by delays, incomplete works, fund shortages and lack of approvals.

The initial proposals were prepared during the tenure of former chief minister late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Though funds were released for some works and foundation stones were laid, several components could not progress due to technical issues.

After the change of government in 2014, then Pithapuram MLA S.V.S.N. Varma revived the proposals and pursued fresh approvals and funds. The modernisation was subsequently divided into two phases, with Rs.105 crore proposed for Phase I and Rs.135 crore for Phase II. Works worth around Rs.58.50 crore were completed.

The change of government in 2019 brought the project to another standstill, with fund releases and required approvals stopping. Works that had not commenced were cancelled.

According to officials, fresh proposals were submitted in 2023, but by then the estimated cost had risen sharply to about `840 crore, making the modernisation a more difficult proposition.

Land acquisition has emerged as another major hurdle. Nearly 200 acres are required for Phase I and another 300 acres for Phase II. The acquisition process could not progress as funds were prioritised for acquiring land for housing for the poor under the Jagananna colonies scheme during the YSRC regime, according to the copy.

The Yeleru reservoir receives water from hillock areas and rivulets and has a capacity of 24 tmc ft. During cyclones and heavy rains, inflows beyond its capacity can submerge agricultural lands and some colonies in Gollaprolu mandal of Pithapuram constituency. The project supplies water to Pithapuram, Jaggampeta and Prathipadu constituencies.

The Gorrikhandi canal is another example of the unfinished works. Following a survey, the contractor executed works worth about ?18 crore, but the remaining works were stopped allegedly due to non-payment. Despite the completion of structural and concrete works, the contractor has reportedly not received the required payments.

A washout near Mukkollu has further weakened the canal system, while the regulator was damaged. Repairs are estimated to cost around Rs.2.25 crore. In the absence of permanent repairs, sandbags are currently being used to prevent water from flowing into agricultural lands.

As part of the Phase I proposals, canals are to be widened and a dedicated channel system created to carry excess water directly into the sea. The proposed channels are expected to reconnect the system and facilitate water storage and supply when the reservoir level falls.

The Talluru Tank is another critical component awaiting attention. Around Rs.50 crore is reportedly required for its repairs. The failure to take up the works has affected irrigation water supply to nearly 30,000 acres of ayacut.

Modernisation of the reservoir was also among the promises made during the election campaign. Farmers in the Yeleru command area are now looking towards the government and local MLAs, particularly Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, for the project to be taken forward.

Farmers said the prolonged delay had affected both irrigation security and flood management, while elected representatives were also constrained by the absence of adequate government funding.