Babu launches Dhavaleswaram barrage gate modernisation

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday launched a Rs 152.95-crore project to replace all 117 crest gates of the historic Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dhavaleswaram, calling it vital for ensuring long-term water security for the Godavari Delta. He also reviewed the progress of the Polavaram Project and interacted with farmers at Pichukalanka in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

After unveiling the foundation plaque, Naidu directed irrigation officials to complete the installation of the new barrage gates by June 2027, ahead of the Godavari Pushkaralu. Officials assured him that the works would be completed before the religious event. He also reviewed water management and instructed officials to ensure canal water reaches tail-end ayacut areas through continuous monitoring.

Addressing farmers, the Chief Minister described the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage as the lifeline of the Godavari Delta, irrigating over 10.13 lakh acres across the Eastern, Central and Western Delta regions. He said the existing gates, motors and electrical systems had become obsolete after more than five decades, making comprehensive modernisation necessary. He noted that while some gates were replaced during the previous TDP government, the remaining 117 are now being modernised under the coalition government.

Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government neglected irrigation infrastructure and said the coalition had spent nearly Rs 24,000 crore on irrigation over the past two years while implementing projects according to schedule.

Reviewing the Polavaram Project, he said civil works had reached 89% completion and directed officials to expedite the remaining dam works, land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement. He also proposed developing an iconic bridge and visitor facilities at the project site.

The Chief Minister announced that Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 would be organised with nearly Rs 1,200 crore worth of infrastructure works around Rajamahendravaram. He also outlined plans to develop Pichukalanka and Bobbarlanka as tourism destinations, establish a Cocoa City at Kovvur, promote cocoa and oil palm cultivation, improve railway connectivity to Konaseema, and warned of strict action against online abuse, drug-related offences and law-and-order violations.