KAKINADA: Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Friday inspected works on the Polavaram Left Main Canal near the Pampa Aqueduct at Annavaram in Kakinada district and directed officials to speed up pending works, including bridges at National Highway crossings.
He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had directed that the first phase of works be completed by June to enable the flow of Godavari waters up to Anakapalli. He warned officials and agencies that delays would not be tolerated, as the waters were crucial for irrigation, drinking and industrial needs of North Andhra.
The minister also inspected bridge works near Arempudi and Gavarayya Koneru villages and reviewed progress with officials and agencies.
Ramanaidu said the Polavaram Left Main Canal was the main conduit for carrying Godavari waters to North Andhra and would help ensure adequate water supply even for major industries coming up in the Anakapalli region.
He alleged that canal works were neglected during the previous YSRC government and claimed the canal capacity had been reduced from 17,500 cusecs to 8,122 cusecs, affecting the interests of North Andhra.
He said the alliance government had so far spent ₹1,460 crore and that 76 per cent of works on the Left Main Canal had been completed.
The minister said compensation of ₹30.38 crore had been paid to 472 families in Kummarilova since the alliance government came to power.
He added that filling of tanks along the canal stretch up to Tuni would stabilise 28,557 acres of ayacut, while completion of the Pithapuram uptake sluice would benefit 67,674 acres under the Yeleru Reservoir ayacut. Drinking water would also be supplied to 5.23 lakh people in 143 villages.
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