LiDAR Survey Launched To Address Godavari Flooding and Irrigation Issues

Kakinada: Water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu on Sunday said the state government is conducting a LiDAR survey at a cost of Rs 13.4 crore to address flooding and irrigation issues in the Godavari Delta. He instructed the executing agency to prepare a comprehensive, detailed project report (DPR) covering flood control measures and repairs to locks and gates in the delta.

The minister laid the foundation stone for embankment strengthening works along the Godavari river at Chinchinada in West Godavari district. He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has accorded top priority to the comprehensive development of the irrigation sector, with the aim of providing water to every acre and improving soil fertility across the state.

Naidu said that during the previous YSRC government, the Godavari Delta suffered severe damage during floods. He recalled that farmers and residents of villages along the river had guarded and protected the embankments day and night to prevent breaches.

Later, the minister participated in a programme at Palakollu, where he distributed free 5G mobile phones to anganwadi workers. He said the government has released Rs 75 crore to benefit 58,204 anganwadi teachers, enabling improved functioning, faster service delivery and greater accountability through the use of smart technology.

The minister said the status of anganwadi centres has improved under the present alliance government compared to previous administrations. He added that 5,000 mini anganwadi centres have been upgraded to the level of main centres across the state, with special focus on improving basic infrastructure such as buildings, drinking water and toilet facilities.