Minister for Water Resources Development Nimmala Rama Naidu on Thursday (March 05) outlined government plans to revamp the Godavari irrigation system and assured farmers of flood prevention and water supply to every acre.
The Minister made a statement in the Legislative Assembly stating that the Godavari delta currently irrigates about 10.13 lakh acres of ayacut (command area) in the combined Godavari districts, around 4.83 lakh acres under the Eastern and Central Delta systems and 5.29 lakh acres under the Western Delta system, making the region one of the most important agricultural belts in the State.
He said to address the recurring flooding and drainage problems in the delta region, the government had initiated steps to prepare a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for modernisation of the irrigation network. Funds to the tune of ₹13.4 crore had been allocated to conduct a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey, which will provide precise topographical data of the canal and drainage systems across the delta. Based on the findings of the survey, a comprehensive modernisation plan would be prepared for the Godavari Delta system, he said.
The Minister said post-DPR, works will be undertaken to desilt canals and drains, repair canal side slopes, strengthen canal linings, correct bed levels and restore key irrigation structures such as gates, sluices, and cross-drainage structures. “These measures are intended to improve water flow, prevent flooding, and ensure reliable irrigation supply,” he explained.
Mr. Rama Naidu said the Godavari delta modernisation works were taken up during the 2014–2019 tenure of the TDP government, but the subsequent YSR Congress government did not allocate funds for these works and halted the modernisation programme midway. He said even routine operation and maintenance (O&M) works were neglected during that period, resulting in irrigation water not reaching farmers in parts of the ayacut.
The Minister said the objective of the government was to prevent flooding in the Godavari delta and ensure that irrigation water reaches the last acre of farmland.
Published – March 05, 2026 04:48 pm IST
