Annamayya Collector sets June 15 deadline for water security, irrigation works

Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar instructed officials to expedite source connectivity, tank restoration, and Jaladhara works in all targeted mandals, strengthen water security and improve irrigation infrastructure in the region. He set June 15 as the deadline to complete all pending works.

The Collector chaired a review meeting with the officials of the Water Resources, Panchayat Raj, and Revenue departments here on Thursday. In view of the onset of southwest monsoon, the Collector called for the expedition of all pending works and adoption of a scientific and integrated approach to rejuvenating water resources. He focused on connecting minor irrigation tanks to nearby water sources, restoring breached tanks, and improving the district’s overall water storage capacity.

After a scrutiny of the technical reports and mapping data prepared by experts engaged for the Jaladhara works by the State government, the Collector instructed the officials to prioritise potential source-connectivity projects in Somala, Kalikiri, Peddamandyam, and peripheral mandals. “Critical works should be prioritised and completed on time,” he said.

Earlier, during a visit to Konampeta village in Lakkireddipalli mandal, Mr. Nishant Kumar inspected the rejuvenated feeder channel linking Kukkalagutta and Macheruvu. The officials informed him that extensive desilting, deepening of channels, and removal of obstructions could restore the natural flow of water.

Farmers informed the Collector that recent rains, coupled with the restoration works, had remarkably improved groundwater levels and recharged farm wells and borewells. Mr. Nishant Kumar further directed the officials to create additional rural employment opportunities through desilting works under the NREGA scheme.

Meanwhile, at Araveedu in Galiveedu mandal, the Collector inspected the feeder channel development works meant for diverting rainwater from hill catchments to irrigation tanks.