The Andhra Pradesh government has kickstarted a crucial infrastructure project aimed at resolving chronic waterlogging issues that have plagued farmers in the Konaseema region. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan virtually laid the foundation stone for the modernisation of the Shankaraguptam major drain, a initiative with an estimated cost of Rs 20.77 crore.
Addressing Long-Standing Farmer Grievances
The project directly addresses a problem that has caused significant agricultural distress. For years, coconut plantations in the Konaseema region have suffered damage due to sea tide ingress and inadequate drainage. The poor condition of the Shankaraguptam drain led to water stagnation and flooding, resulting in crop losses for local farmers.
Pawan Kalyan revealed that the issue was brought to his attention during a visit to Keshavadasupalem in the Rajolu constituency last month. Farmers on the ground highlighted their recurring losses. In response, an action plan was swiftly formulated. The deputy chief minister stated that the goal was to resolve the problem within 45 days, and the works were initiated in just 35 days after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sanctioned the necessary funds.
Scope and Scale of the Modernisation Work
The modernisation project is comprehensive in its scope. Officials outlined that the work will cover a significant 8-kilometer stretch of the drain, from 8.50 km to 16.50 km. A key component involves strengthening the embankments on both sides of the drain up to 14.50 km. This reinforcement is critical to prevent breaches and control water flow effectively.
During the virtual ceremony, Pawan Kalyan also instructed officials to tackle the parallel issue of encroachments along the drain's path. He pointed out that approximately 250 acres of land adjacent to the Shankaraguptam drain are currently under encroachment. The deputy CM directed the district administration to take necessary steps to clear these encroachments in tandem with the modernisation works to ensure the project's long-term efficacy.
Officials and Expected Outcomes
The event saw participation from key figures. Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu joined the programme virtually. At the physical event in Shankaraguptam, Rajolu MLA Deva Varaprasad, the Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district collector, and officials from the water resources department were present.
The primary expected outcome of this Rs 20.77 crore investment is a substantial reduction in flooding incidents. Officials are confident that once modernised, the drain will efficiently manage water flow, thereby preventing further damage to the valuable coconut plantations in the region. This project represents a targeted intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of Konaseema's farming community and boost agricultural productivity.
