Rajahmundry: The water resources authorities have decided to take up dredging the bed of River Godavari about 500 metres from the Cotton Barrage to Tadipudi to enhance its storage capacity.
Earlier, following issuance of GO No. 94, the authorities had called for bids online from multi-national companies to take up the dredging works in a given area, at a cost of Rs 155 per cubic meter of sand or mud excavated. A company was finalised recently.
However, the authorities withdrew their order as the company was found to be unregistered. The bids were called again and they will be opened on Monday.
A total distance of about 30 km would be dredged. Initially, the authorities will identify places where huge sand deposits are formed obstructing the free of flow of water and remove them.
The sand excavated will be handed over to the mines and geology authorities.
Earlier, it was proposed to sell the sand but since the AP state government declared free sand policy, the water resources authorities have no other option.
The authorities said that dredging the riverbed helps in free flow of water and enhances storage capacity. This water can be used to raise crops in Godavari and Krishna delta areas and also for drinking water needs.
Irrigation SE S. Sugunakar Rao said, “We will be taking up the dredging work shortly, as soon as the agency for taking up the work is finalised.”
