Andhra Pradesh Government Commits Rs 150 Crore for Dowleswaram Barrage Gate Installation
In a significant move to bolster water infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Nimmala Ramanaidu, informed the state assembly on Tuesday that the government has allocated Rs 150.09 crore for installing new gates at the Dowleswaram barrage. This announcement came during the question hour session, highlighting the barrage's vital role in the region's agricultural and water supply systems.
Critical Lifeline for Godavari Delta
Ramanaidu emphasized that the Dowleswaram barrage serves as a critical lifeline for the extensive agricultural lands and communities in the Godavari Delta. Specifically, it supports irrigation across 10.13 lakh acres and provides drinking and industrial water supply to the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts. He described the barrage as the "heart of the delta system," underscoring its importance in sustaining local livelihoods and economic activities.
Historical Context and Modernization Efforts
The minister provided historical context, noting that the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government in 2014 had initiated the Godavari Delta Modernisation Programme. Under this scheme, 58 new gates were installed out of a total of 175 gates, with an expenditure of Rs 31.77 crore. Following the formation of the coalition government in 2024, funds have now been earmarked to replace the remaining 117 gates, ensuring the barrage's structural integrity and functionality.
Allegations of Neglect and Safety Concerns
Ramanaidu pointed out that the barrage's condition deteriorated significantly during the 2019–24 period. He alleged that the then YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government failed to take necessary actions despite repeated warnings from the Central Water Commission (CWC) regarding safety issues. This neglect, he argued, posed risks to the barrage's stability and the region's water security.
Implementation Plans and Phased Execution
To address these concerns, the minister detailed the implementation strategy. Tenders for replacing the gates at the cotton barrage were issued in January, with assurances of a continuous water supply throughout the process. The works will be executed in phases using stop-log gates, a method designed to prevent disruptions to irrigation flows in the delta canals. This approach aims to maintain agricultural productivity while upgrades are underway.
Additional Measures for Flood Management and Repairs
Beyond gate replacements, the government has allocated Rs 13.4 crore for comprehensive flood management and structural repairs. This funding will support the preparation of a detailed project report and the conduct of a LiDAR survey. Ramanaidu informed the assembly that an aerial LiDAR survey is already in progress across the Godavari districts, providing critical data for future infrastructure planning and risk mitigation.
Overall, these initiatives reflect the state government's commitment to enhancing water resource management and safeguarding the Godavari Delta's agricultural and water supply systems through strategic investments and modernization efforts.
