Yathalakunta tunnel works to be completed next month: Tummala

Khammam: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directed officials to complete the works of the Yathalakunta tunnel of the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project within 25 days and make arrangements for its inauguration by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in October.

Inspecting the tunnel works at Yathalakunta in Sathupalli mandal along with Aswaraopeta MLA Jare Adinarayana and Bhadradri Kothagudem Collector Ankit on Monday, Tummala sought details from officials.

He directed engineers to strengthen vacant portions beneath the tunnel with concrete and complete grouting, packing, and concreting works as per technical standards. He stressed that quality and safety should be given priority while expediting the works. “Tunnel and canal lining and road-crossing works should also be completed in coordination, he said.

Tummala said providing Godavari water to the Sathupalli trunk through the Sitarama project was a priority of the state government to provide irrigation security to farmers. He said land acquisition issues had largely been resolved and the government had recently released Rs 48 crore for the purpose. “Additional funds would be provided based on proposals from the district administration,” he added.

The minister also expressed concern over the possibility of drought-like conditions due to inadequate rainfall and the El Nino effect. He said the availability of Godavari water should be assessed in advance and used efficiently to protect kharif crops.

Later, Tummala inaugurated a high-level bridge and BT road constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.63 crore under STSDF funds at Kummaripadu village in Mulakalapalli mandal.

At Kamalapuram, he inspected the third pump house of the Sitarama Lift Irrigation Scheme and switched on a motor to release water to the Annadaivam project. He directed officials to ensure that the released water reached farmers in the command area effectively.

Tummala said the project would also help meet irrigation requirements in Mulakalapalli, Dummapeta and Aswaraopeta, particularly areas where oil-palm cultivation was spread across nearly 80,000 acres.

He also called for expediting works under the fourth pump house and exploring pipelines, drip and sprinkler systems to reduce land acquisition requirements and improve water-use efficiency.

Tummala said completion of the Sitarama project would reduce farmers’ dependence on rainfall and strengthen irrigation availability in the region.

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