Date:22/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/22/stories/2007022201420300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Allocation for irrigation projects a mixed bag to Anantapur interests

Staff Reporter

Allocation for Handri-Neeva hiked considerably while that for Tungabhadra Board remains static

ANANTAPUR: Allocations for different irrigation projects benefiting Anantapur district in the budget estimates for the year 2007-08 present a mixed bag to the interests of the district. There is only one major irrigation system functioning in the district at present and another two are under construction.

Though allocations for the projects under construction like Handri-Neeva and PABR-Stage II or Yadiki Branch Canal system have been hiked, the allocation for Tungabhadra Board, on which the High Level Canal serving Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts and Low Level Canal serving Kurnool district are based, has been kept almost static.

Allocation for Handri-Neeva project works has been hiked considerably in line with the promise made by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to give water to the 1.18 lakh acres ayacut in Kurnool and Anantapur districts at least from 2008 kharif season. The project has been allocated Rs. 925 crores against Rs. 275 cr. for 2006-07.

An amount of about Rs. 350 crores has been spent on the Handri-Neeva works during the current financial year, both on land acquisition and for works. Canal excavation works of the project are on full swing though structures are yet to be taken up. Work on the balancing reservoirs is also in progress.

Requirement

First phase of Handri Neeva works require Rs. 1,305 crores as per initial estimates and escalation of costs has already swelled the requirement to Rs. 2,600 crores. The allocation for Yadiki canal has also been hiked by about Rs. 100 crores from Rs. 150 crores in the last budget to Rs. 253 crores for the next financial year. However, there has been no mention of Rs. 35 crores for repairs to Penna Ahobilam reservoir.

HLC modernisation

Once again, there has been no allocation for modernisation of HLC in the budget estimates.

The allocation for HLC and LLC has been just Rs. 50 crores against Rs. 45 crores allotted in the last budget.