Kakinada IAB Clears Godavari Water Diversion for Kharif, Warns of Scarcity

The Kakinada District Irrigation Advisory Board (IAB) has approved a resolution to divert water from the Godavari River to the Yeleru reservoir, aiming to irrigate 53,000 acres during the Kharif season. The decision came during a meeting chaired by District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Tuesday.

The Yeleru reservoir's ayacut primarily covers the assembly segments of Pithapuram, Peddapuram, and Jaggampeta in Kakinada district. Under the plan, water will be drawn from the Godavari via the Purushottapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme, which is linked to the upstream Polavaram project.

“At least 1,000 cusecs of water will be released immediately from the dead storage level of the Yeleru reservoir before the Godavari water is drawn,” said Mr. Harendhira Prasad.

Water scarcity remains a concern. Kakinada MP Tangella Uday Srinivas noted that only 8.2 TMC of water is currently available against the required 14 TMC for Kharif operations in the Eastern Godavari Delta. Addressing the media after the meeting, the Collector urged farmers to use water judiciously and on a sharing basis to ensure tail-end areas receive adequate supply.

“The vigilance on water use will be intensified,” he added.

Responding to allegations of illegal diversion of irrigation water by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Reliance groups, the Collector said, “We will inspect the allegations related to the illegal diversion of irrigation water by the ONGC and Reliance and prevent such incidents.”

Water Resources Department Engineer-In-Chief K. Narasimha Murthy advised farmers to opt for short-duration crops instead of paddy to cope with the limited water availability.

MLC Pidugu Hariprasad informed that Deputy Chief Minister and Pithapuram MLA K. Pawan Kalyan is closely monitoring the irrigation water supply challenges and has sanctioned ₹3 crore for the operation of lift irrigation schemes.

In the neighbouring Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, the Irrigation Advisory Board chaired by District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar has prepared an action plan to utilise Godavari water in the Central Godavari Delta and ensure supply to tail-end areas. “At least 9.7 TMC of Godavari water has been supplied to the Central Delta since May 31 for Kharif operations,” said Mr. Mahesh Kumar.