Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu. He has put irrigation officials on high alert after heavy rain from Cyclone Murasu. File
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has directed irrigation officials to remain on high alert in view of heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Murasu and take immediate steps to drain rainwater stagnating in agricultural fields to prevent further damage to crops.
During a teleconference with senior irrigation officials on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), the Minister called for continuous monitoring of flood flows in rivers, streams, drains and reservoirs and coordination with other departments to manage the situation.
The Minister said heavy rainfall had been reported in Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Krishna, Eluru and West Godavari districts. The Nallamada and Parchur drains were flowing above their maximum levels in areas around Parchur, Bapatla, Chirala and Prattipadu. He asked officials to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
Mr. Ramanaidu directed officials to ensure that rainwater accumulated in agricultural fields was drained immediately through canals and drains. He also asked them to monitor field conditions continuously and ensure that farmers did not face difficulties.
He instructed officials to keep a close watch on flood inflows into the Budameru, Errakalava, Goneruvagu, Tammileru and Yeleru rivers and streams, as well as reservoirs, particularly in view of heavy rainfall in their upstream catchments.
The Minister said the Prakasam Barrage was receiving an inflow of 71,000 cusecs from streams in Guntur and Palnadu districts. Water from the Budameru catchment was being diverted into the Krishna through the Budameru Diversion Canal, he added.
He called for continuous monitoring of inflows into the Prakasam Barrage and effective flood management.
Referring to the heavy rainfall in Vijayawada over the past two days, Mr. Ramanaidu said 3,000 cusecs of water was being diverted into the sea through the Enikepadu under-tunnel.
He also asked officials in the north coastal districts to take advance precautions in view of heavy rainfall. In East Godavari district, where widespread rain was reported, officials were instructed to visit affected areas, assess the situation regularly and take all necessary measures to prevent inconvenience to the public and farmers.
Irrigation Special Chief Secretary Shashi Bhushan, adviser Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief Narasimha Murthy and several chief engineers and superintending engineers participated in the teleconference.
Published – November 04, 2026 02:09 pm IST
