From Our Correspondent
Kothapeta/Atreyapuram: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday launched the long-awaited modernisation of the historic Dowleswaram Barrage by inaugurating works to replace 117 ageing barrage gates at an estimated cost of ₹152.95 crore. Calling the project crucial for safeguarding the Godavari Delta, the Chief Minister said the NDA coalition government has initiated comprehensive measures to provide permanent protection to one of the country’s most productive agricultural regions.
Naidu unveiled the foundation plaque for the project, inspected water flow at the barrage and reviewed the progress of the works with irrigation officials. He directed officials to complete the installation of all new gates by June 2027, well ahead of the next Godavari Pushkaralu.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that around 27,000 cusecs of water is currently flowing into the sea, while 14,700 cusecs is being released through the canal system. Naidu instructed irrigation officials and public representatives to continuously monitor water distribution to ensure that irrigation water reaches tail-end ayacut farmers without interruption.
Modernisation After Five Decades
Addressing farmers at Pichukalanka in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, the Chief Minister recalled that the original anicut built by Sir Arthur Cotton transformed the Godavari Delta into the country’s “Rice Bowl.”
He said the present barrage, constructed during the tenure of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, enabled cultivation of an additional crop by improving irrigation facilities.
The barrage, with a storage capacity of 2.9 TMC and a flood-handling capacity of 32.2 lakh cusecs, provides irrigation to 10.13 lakh acres across the Eastern, Central and Western Delta regions.
However, after more than five decades of operation, the barrage’s gates, motors and electrical systems have become outdated, making comprehensive modernisation essential for its long-term safety and efficiency, he said.
Previous Government Accused of Neglect
Naidu said the previous TDP government between 2014 and 2019 had replaced a portion of the barrage gates at a cost of ₹32 crore, while the present government has now taken up replacement of the remaining 117 old gates within a fixed timeline.
He criticised the previous YSRCP government for allegedly neglecting irrigation infrastructure, claiming that even routine maintenance such as greasing the barrage gates was ignored due to inadequate funding.
The Chief Minister added that the government has already completed installation of new gates at the Tungabhadra Project, reflecting its focus on strengthening critical irrigation assets across the state.
₹24,000 Crore Spent on Irrigation
Highlighting the coalition government’s emphasis on irrigation, Naidu said ₹24,000 crore has been spent on the sector during the past two years to accelerate pending projects, modernise existing infrastructure and improve water management across Andhra Pradesh.
He reiterated that strengthening irrigation systems remains central to the government’s strategy for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring water security.
Justice for Polavaram Families
The Chief Minister also assured that families displaced by the Polavaram Project would receive complete justice through comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement measures.
He said the government is committed to completing rehabilitation works while simultaneously expediting construction of the national irrigation project, which he described as the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu said both irrigation infrastructure modernisation and timely completion of major projects such as Polavaram are essential for securing the state’s agricultural future and driving long-term economic growth.