Prakasam Barrage Apron Works To Be Completed By May-End

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Irrigation Minister Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao on Sunday said that the apron repair works taken up as part of modernisation of Prakasam Barrage would be completed by May-end.

The Minister, who visited the barrage to inspect the ongoing works, interacted with chief engineer Y.S. Sudhakar to take stock of the apron works.

He said that of the total package of Rs.240 crore sanctioned to carry out repairs and modernisation works on the barrage, works estimated at Rs.129 crore had been completed.

Directive to officials

The Minister said that the 2009 floods, which brought in 11 lakh cusecs of flood water, caused extensive damage to the apron. A few 6-ton-heavy concrete blocks got washed away in the deluge, damaging the metal engraved in between these blocks.

He directed the engineering officials to use adequate machinery and manpower for timely completion of works and warned against any compromise on quality.

The 70 gates of the barrage need repairs at some points that have developed leakages or gathered rust.

The railings of the bridge leading to the apron have to be strengthened by the forthcoming Krishna Pushkarams.

He said the proposed illumination of the barrage, which is to be completed by Pushkarams, would be a permanent feature.

Drinking water

Water level in the barrage has touched 10-ft mark after release of 2 tmcft of water from Srisailam project. Besides fulfilling the drinking water needs of Vijayawada and Guntur cities, this water will be diverted to the drinking water tanks in Pedana, Bandar, and Kaikalur mandals.

Admitting serious scarcity of water in the Krishna catchment areas, he said it was because it had received only 66 tmcft water through monsoons against the expected 666 tmcft.

The available water would have to be shared by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he said, and directed officials and people’s representatives to educate the public on the need to use water judiciously.

Tourism attractions

Mr. Uma Maheswara Rao said introduction of several water sports at Bhavani Island was also on the cards.

The objective was to add attractive features on the lines of tourist destinations like Goa to the new capital, Amaravati.

The new entertainment modes like water games would be made available within the reach the common man, he said, adding that the Krishna would acquire a new sheen by Pushkarams.

He said an exhibition hall would be constructed on the 30 acres available at Hamsaladeevi to portray the works of veteran engineers like Sir Arthur Cotton and K.L. Rao, besides compilation of information on irrigation projects across the State.

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