Khammam: Government to build 92 check dams on rivulets

Khammam: In keeping to its slogan, “Not a drop of rain should be wasted”, the government is constructing more check dams on streams and rivulets. In addition it is also looking to develop additional chain flow tanks.

There are 3,834 tanks in Khammam and Bhadradri districts under the Khammam irrigation circle that irrigate 2.16 lakh acres. Under the four phases of Mission Kakatiya, 1,941 tanks were renovated against the 2,189. 248 tanks are yet to be renovated.

As the government wants to develop chain-flow tanks, 670 tanks were identified as favourable. A map was drawn to show which tank would come under which chain-link tank system. About 40 tanks were found to be convenient for the chain-link system in the Khammam Assembly constituency and 65 in the Palair segment.

Aswaraopeta stood first with 320 chain-link tanks including 112 in Dammapet mandal. Madhira segment had 112 tanks and there are 75 in Sathupally.

The tanks work on the basis of gravity. After the first tank gets filled after the rains, the water will overflow into the next tank till the last tank of the chain-link system is filled. If there any barriers to the flow of water, irrigation officials will make a way for a new system to be established. In Bhadrachalam only eight tanks could be set up. The chain-link tank system cannot be set up in Pinapaka, Kothagudem and Yellandu segments. The budget for developing the system for 670 tanks is nearly Rs 67 crore.

The government has sanctioned Rs 112 crore to construct check dams on streams at 18 places. About 8,650 acres in the two districts are expected come under irrigation.

It is proposed to construct 92 check dams 53 in Khammam district and 39 in Bhadradri district to increase the ground water and for agricultural purpose. Proposals seeking funds to the tune of Rs 479 crore have been sent to the government.