VIJAYAWADA: Water resources minister Ambati Rambabu described recognition of Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage across Godavari River at Dowleswaram as World Irrigation Heritage Structure a great honour for people of Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing a public meeting near the barrage at Dowleswaram in East Godavari after receiving the award on Saturday, the minister said Sir Arthur Cotton had taken up construction of the barrage across Godavari to make the area fertile and help farmers.
The minister said it is significant that even as the barrage has completed 100 years since its construction, the barrage has gained recognition as World Irrigation Heritage Structure from the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.
Rambabu assured to repair the barrage road at a cost of ₹2 crore and also develop the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum.
Information minister Ch. Srinivas Venugopala Krishna congratulated Rambabu for the world heritage award. He called former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy as a successor of Sir Arthur Cotton for taking up Jala Yagnam and executing several irrigation projects in the state.
Home minister Taneti Vanitha sought allocation of more funds for development of Cotton barrage, so that it could be restored to its past glory.
