26 irrigation projects get impetus in AP

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy performing puja after dedicating Mekapati Goutham Reddy Sangam and Nellore barrages to the nation at Nellore on Tuesday

Nellore: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and recent floods, their focus to complete the irrigation projects is on top priority.

He said "not a single mandal in the State was declared drought-prone since we took over and the YSRCP government has been giving priority to irrigation and has spent Rs 320 crore on Sangam and Nellore barrages to stabilise five lakh acres and all the 26 irrigation projects from Srikakulam to Chittoor are being treated on priority."

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

It is a tribute to late minister Goutham Reddy, who was supposed to be here but for the tragedy, and we named the Sangam barrage after him. This barrage will irrigate 3.85 lakh acres, work on which has been expedited.

"Though the pandemic affected just nine months after the YSRCP government assumed office, we overcame all odds and have prioritised the project. Despite floods in 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 back by the British and no one bothered to carry out repair works. It was only during the tenure of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy government did the works start in 2006. "As his son, I am proud to say I could complete the projects during my term," he stated.

The previous government had spent just Rs 30.85 crore and kept on delaying the project. It was only the YSRCP government that had spent Rs 200 crore to complete the project, the CM added.

For Nellore barrage also Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy government had spent Rs 80 crore. It was revived only after YSRCP formed the government as the TDP did not show interest on the project, he pointed out.

The Chief Minister sanctioned Rs 85 crore worth of works which included connectivity to National Highway from Sangam Barrage at a cost of Rs 15 crore and Rs 40 crore to the works on 12 irrigation projects and Rs14 crore for laying roads to improve village connectivity, Rs12 crore special grant for Atmakur municipality and Rs 4 crore towards drawing of water to Sangam panchayat from the barrage.

The Chief Minister unveiled the statues of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and Mekapati Goutham Reddy. Ministers Ambati Rambabu, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, MPs, MLCs, MLAs, officials and Mekapati Goutham Reddy's family members were present on the occasion.

The previous government had spent Rs 30.85 crore and kept on delaying the project. It was only the YSRCP government that had spent Rs 200 crore to complete the project. Nellore barrage also was revived only after YSRCP formed the government

- Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, CM, Andhra Pradesh