AP to complete 26 irrigation projects on priority basis

Nellore: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said all 26 irrigation projects from Srikakulam to Chittoor will be placed on a priority basis and the state will expedite the works on them. Stating that not a single mandal in the state was declared drought prone since his party took over, Jagan said the government has been prioritising irrigation and has spent Rs. 320 crores on the Sangam and Nellore barrages.

Speaking after dedicating the Mekapati Goutham Reddy Sangam Barrage and Nellore Barrage to the nation, the Chief Minister said the two projects will benefit Atmakur, Kovur, Sarvepalli, Nellore rural, and Kavali constituencies.

"It is a tribute to Goutham Reddy, who was supposed to be here but for the tragedy, and we named the Sangam barrage after him which will irrigate 3.85 lakh acres. Though the pandemic hit just nine months after we assumed office, we overcame all odds and have prioritised the project. Despite floods in the Penna river for two consecutive years, we could focus on the work and spent Rs. 320 crores on both the projects," he said.

The barrages were built 140 years ago by the British and no one bothered to carry out repair works, said Jagan and added that it was only during the term of Dr. Y.S Rajasekhar Reddy that the works started in 2006. "As his son, I am proud to say I could complete the projects during my term," he said.

He continued, "The previous government spent just Rs. 30.85 crores and kept delaying the project. It was our government that spent Rs. 200 crores and completed the project."

For Nellore barrage also Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy spent Rs. 80 crores but was neglected later and completed now, Jagan added.

The Chief Minister sanctioned Rs. 85 crores on various works, including connecting Sangam Barrage to the national highway at a cost of Rs. 15 crores, Rs. 40 crores on 12 irrigation works, Rs. 14 crores to lay roads to improve village connectivity, Rs. 12 crore special grant for Atmakur municipality, and Rs. 4 crores to draw water to Sangam panchayat from the barrage.