Andhra Minister Issues Stern Warning Over Delayed Canal Maintenance Estimates
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has expressed serious displeasure and issued a stern warning to officials regarding persistent delays in preparing estimates for crucial canal maintenance works across Andhra Pradesh. The minister made it clear that there would be serious consequences if officials do not mend their ways and improve their approach to adhering to established timelines.
Video Conference Review Reveals Widespread Non-Compliance
Addressing chief engineers from across the state through a video conference on Friday, Minister Ramanaidu conducted a comprehensive review of the preparation of constituency-wise estimates for key irrigation infrastructure works. These essential maintenance activities include desilting operations, weed removal initiatives, and clearing of canal beds to ensure optimal water flow.
Despite clear instructions mandating the submission of these critical estimates by March 25, several officials failed to comply with the deadline, prompting sharp criticism and direct warnings from the minister during the conference.
Critical Timing Window for Irrigation Works
The minister emphasized the narrow window of opportunity available for completing these essential maintenance works, pointing out that April and May represent the only suitable months to undertake such activities effectively. Once the kharif cropping season begins, there would be absolutely no scope for conducting maintenance work, as water release into the canals would already be underway.
Recalling problematic practices from previous years, Minister Ramanaidu noted that approvals were often granted as late as June, by which time water had already begun flowing through the canals. This unfortunate timing forced maintenance works to be halted midway through completion, creating significant disruptions to irrigation schedules.
Farmers Bear the Brunt of Delays
The minister highlighted how these delays and interruptions adversely affected farmers throughout the state, particularly those situated at the tail-end of ayacut areas who were consistently deprived of essential irrigation water when they needed it most. The failure to complete maintenance works before the cropping season directly impacted agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
Minister Ramanaidu stressed that timely preparation of estimates followed by early approvals from the finance department would enable the complete execution of all necessary maintenance works well before the crucial cropping season begins, ensuring uninterrupted water supply to agricultural lands.
Strict Deadline with Serious Consequences
In response to the widespread non-compliance, the minister issued a firm directive requiring all chief engineers to submit their constituency-wise estimates by Sunday evening without fail. Officials who fail to meet this extended deadline will be required to report directly to the Amaravati Secretariat on Monday morning to provide detailed explanations for their delays.
Government's Proactive Approach to Irrigation
Highlighting the current government's efforts since assuming power, Minister Ramanaidu explained that funds had already been released under emergency provisions to facilitate desilting and maintenance works, ensuring reliable irrigation supply to farmers across the state. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with previous administrations.
The minister alleged that during the previous five-year period, even basic maintenance activities were consistently neglected, leading to significant hardships for the farming community throughout Andhra Pradesh. This historical neglect created substantial challenges that the current administration is now working diligently to address.
Commitment to Comprehensive Irrigation Coverage
Reiterating the government's firm commitment to provide irrigation water to every acre of agricultural land in the state, Minister Ramanaidu urged all officials to shed any lingering negligence from their work practices. He emphasized the need to expedite submissions while ensuring the quality completion of all maintenance works before the onset of the crucial cropping season.
The video conference was also attended by ENC Narasimha Murthy, who participated in the discussions regarding the implementation of irrigation maintenance works across Andhra Pradesh's extensive canal network.
