19 lift irrigation schemes sanctioned for Srikakulam

Srikakulam: In all, 19 new lift irrigation schemes are proposed across the district with an aim to irrigate the upland areas. At present, 49 lift irrigation schemes are functioning under the supervision of Andhra Pradesh State Irrigation Development Corporation (APSIDC) and works of another seven schemes are still under progress.

The total ayacut area under the schemes is 26,235 acres and expenditure for all the schemes is Rs 91.16 crore. Out of the total existing 49 schemes, the ayucut area of the eight schemes are covered under various medium and minor irrigation projects and as a result water is sufficiently provided for crops in these areas.

Works relating to another seven new schemes are under progress at Chinasana, Kondapeta in Kotabommali, Navathala in Saravakota, Neeladevipuram in Burja, Madanagopalasagaram in Tekkali, Kalingapatnam in Gara and Peddapadmapuram in Meliaputti mandals.

All these works are expected to be completed by end of June and water will be supplied for kharif from these schemes in 13,810 acres and estimated cost of these schemes is Rs 117.67 crore, said APSIDC engineers.

In addition to these 56 existing lift irrigation schemes, another 19 new schemes have been proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 340.59 crore. The area to be irrigated under these 19 schemes is 26,647 acres.

Speaking to The Hans India, APSIDC executive engineer M Laxmipathi Rao said, “Out of these 19 new schemes, seven schemes permissions to lift the water from its identified sources and permissions are awaited for the remaining 12 schemes.”