Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu Reviews Godavari Delta Modernisation

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu reviewed the proposed modernisation of the Godavari Delta with irrigation officials. Irrigation Adviser Venkateswara Rao, the Godavari Delta Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer, along with representatives of IISc Technologies, attended the meeting. The minister said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared based on a LiDAR survey conducted at a cost of ₹13.4 crore to find a permanent solution to flooding in the Godavari Delta. Proposals worth ₹1,137 crore for the Eastern Delta and ₹1,268 crore for the Central Delta have already been prepared, while estimates for the Western Delta are expected soon.

The minister directed officials to give priority to canals, drains, bund levels, desilting, locks and shutters, and asked them to prepare a comprehensive plan for dredging at silted-up sea mouths. Special attention should be given to silt accumulation in drains flowing into the sea in areas such as Mummidivaram, Amalapuram, Razole, Narasapuram and Bhimavaram. He also called for repairs or reconstruction of old locks and outfall sluices built during the British era. Minister Ramanaidu said the DPRs should incorporate the experience of local water-users’ associations and public representatives. Once the DPRs are finalised, they will be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to seek funding approval.