4 Minor Irrigation Reservoirs Overflow In ASR District After Cyclone Rains
Cyclone Arnab-triggered rainfall filled four reservoirs to capacity, improving water availability for irrigation across Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
Four minor irrigation reservoirs in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district are overflowing following rains triggered by Cyclone Arnab, while several others are nearing full capacity, according to officials of the Small Minor Irrigation (SMI) Division.
Rajendra Kumar, an SMI division official, said the district’s 11 minor irrigation tanks, each serving an ayacut of more than 100 acres, had adequate water reserves. Together, they irrigate 1,984.67 acres. The total storage in these reservoirs increased from 0.107 TMC ft before the cyclone to 0.12 TMC ft after the recent rains.
The Lubbarti Reservoir in Koyyuru mandal, Tajangi Reservoir in Chintapalli mandal, Korrai Mini Reservoir in Dumbriguda mandal and Similiguda Mini Reservoir in Araku Valley mandal have reached full capacity and are overflowing.
Other reservoirs have also recorded increased storage. The Kinchavanipalem Reservoir in Koyyuru mandal is at 90 per cent capacity, while the Ginjerthi and Todakula Gedda reservoirs are at 70 per cent. In Chintapalli mandal, the Pedda Tank at Chaudupalle and Antharla Tank are at 70 per cent capacity. The Siripuram and Puligondi reservoirs are at 55 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.
The executive engineer (FAC), SMI division, Paderu, said the projects were being monitored continuously in view of the inflows received over the past few days. He said measures were being taken to ensure an uninterrupted irrigation supply and prevent water shortages for farmers during the cultivation season.
Meanwhile, irrigation officials have restored a damaged canal at a check dam in Bandhavidhi village of G. Madugula mandal. The canal had been washed away during the cyclone.
Divisional engineer Srinivas Rao said officials inspected the site after the damage was reported and took up restoration work on priority. The canal was repaired and sluice gates were installed, restoring the flow of irrigation water to agricultural fields in the area.
Officials said the improved storage levels across the district's minor irrigation network would support agricultural activities in the coming months.
