Modernisation works proceed at snail’s pace

Rajamahendravaram: Government's apathy and lethargy of Water Resources Department (WRD) is posing problems to the farming community under Yeleru reservoir ayacut. Due to funds crunch, first phase of modernisation works of the reservoir are yet to be completed and the government is yet to release funds for land acquisition.

• While the first phase of works were earlier scheduled to be completed by May 2017, so far only 45 per cent of the works have been completed

Meanwhile, the farmers are demanding that the government should pay the compensation, before taking their lands for modernisation works. The government allotted an amount of Rs 294 crore for the works. Of this, Rs 127 crore is for the first phase and Rs 167 crore for the second phase.

As many as 67,000 acres relating to Pithapuram, Jaggampeta, Prattipadu and Peddapuram Assembly constituencies are getting water for cultivation from Yeleru reservoir. Canals were not strengthened and there is no proper regulatory system to regulate the water supply after completion of modernisation works.

The first phase of modernisation works should be completed by May 2017 as per schedule, but so far only 45 per cent of works were completed and God only knows when the first phase of works will be completed.

Meanwhile, tenders are yet to be invited for second phase of works, as the government earlier cancelled Rs 167 crore worth of tenders. Earlier, only one tender was filed and as many as 260 acres of land was needed under the second phase of works.

Minister for Irrigation Deveineni Uma Maheswara Rao in the year 2016 assured to complete modernisation works by giving crop holiday. But there has been not much progress in works.

The government acquired as many as 303 acres in the mandals of Peddapuram, Kirlampudi and Pithapuram. Though the land acquisition process was completed an year ago, the government is yet to release the compensation of Rs 68 crore.