Visakhapatnam: Minister for MSME and NRI Affairs Kondapalli Srinivas said efforts would be made to supply water from Thatipudi reservoir to the last acre in the region by next year.
The minister released the irrigation water from the Tatipudi reservoir in Gantyada Mandal in Vizianagaram district on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Srinivas pledged efforts to irrigate lands surrounding the Tatipudi reservoir and noted that the reservoir currently irrigates approximately 15,365 acres across 35 villages in Gantyada, Jami, and S. Kota mandals, enhancing the region's greenery. He criticised the previous government for neglecting the irrigation sector, leading to silt-filled canals and assured that all canals would be desilted by next year, with the work on the MN channel underway.
He further stated that efforts would be made to secure funds for the reservoir's development, which also supplies drinking water to Visakhapatnam city, restore boats to full safety standards and develop tourism in the region.
The Minister also highlighted the recent distribution of NTR Bharosa pensions, bringing joy to the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals, and stressed the importance of recognizing the contributions of the elders. S. Kota MLA Kolla Lalithakumari said Thatipudi reservoir benefited 40,000 farmers across 35 villages in three mandals.
However, she criticised the previous government's negligence of the Polavaram project and similar district projects, which lacked even basic repair funds. She advocated for developing the Thatipudi reservoir for both irrigation and tourism. TD Parliamentary constituency president Kimidi Nagarjuna asserted that their government was proactive and dedicated to resolving farmers' issues. Local farmer and TD leader Rongali Krishna discussed the community's challenges. Senior officials were present on the occasion.
