Minister sore over dragging of delta modernisation works

Eluru: Endowments Minister Pydikondala Manikyala Rao directed the irrigation department officials to complete canal and drain modernisation works in stipulated time without fail. He was reviewing the delta modernisation works with district officials at Tadepalligudem on Sunday.

He pointed out that retaining wall was constructed to the Buklis Drain at East Vipparru village one year ago but the gap between bund and retaining wall had not been done, which is causing problems for the villagers.

Expressing displeasure over farmers objecting to works on Yerrakalva bunds, even after compensation was paid to the land acquired between canal bunds, Manikyala Rao asked the officials to take up the works on Yerrakalava bunds as part of the modernisation.

He also told the officials to up repair and replacement works on check dams, sluices, irrigation structure which were constructed during British rule in the district. On the occasion, the minister sought suggestions from farmers and heard their grievances.

Irrigation superintending engineer S.V. Ramana, executive engineer G Srinivas, special EE R Satish Kumar, DEEs B Srinivasa Rao, M Apparao and others took part in the meeting along with Tadepalligudem municipal chairperson Bolisetti Srinivas.