Vijayawada: NTR district collector Dr G. Lakshmisha on Friday joined MGNREGS workers in desilting operations at the Mulapadu Jodichintala tank in Ibrahimpatnam mandal as part of the Jaladhara – Jalaharati programme aimed at strengthening water resources, improving groundwater levels, and restoring ecological balance across the district.
The collector wielded the shovel alongside labourers in carrying out the tank restoration works. He later shared a meal with them. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Lakshmisha said the district administration had prepared a comprehensive action plan in line with the vision and directives of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan to restore water tanks and create a sustainable water management system for future generations.
The collector said in a phased manner, 445 tanks across the NTR district will be restored and rejuvenated. While the total storage capacity of these tanks is 10.4 TMC, the present capacity has been reduced to 5.5 TMCs. By desilting and regenerative works, the district administration aims to restore all tanks to their full storage potential before the next monsoon season, he stated.
Dr Lakshmisha said the large-scale works taken up include desilting of tanks, strengthening of bunds, restoration of feeder channels, improvement of exit canals, and enhancement of water storage capacity.
He emphasised that in convergence with the employment guarantee scheme, 1,300 works worth ₹87 crore have been taken up and are progressing rapidly. The collector underlined that these works would help improve groundwater recharge, boost irrigation, improve drinking water availability, and support fisheries, animal husbandry, and allied agricultural activities in rural areas.
Dr Lakshmisha said mandal and village-level committees are actively monitoring the works, while officials from DWMA, irrigation, forest, and groundwater departments were working in coordination as “Team NTR” in implementing the works quickly.
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