Date:13/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081352760200.htm

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Andhra Pradesh

No threat to Pakhal lake: Ponnala

Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao

The lake is spread over 5,300 acres with a capacity to hold 3.2 tmcft

Photo: M. Murali

Risky ride: A villager crossing Pakhal lake in Warangal. -

NARASAMPET (WARANGAL DT): Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah said there was no threat to the Pakhal lake.

In the wake of rumours of possible breach of bund, Mr Lakshmaiah visited the lake here on Tuesday along with the Revenue and Irrigation Department officials to take stock of the situation. The earth on 2.3 Km odd bund sunk at one place while the mud was washed away at several places due to heavy rains. “There is no threat due to the developments. The personnel dug up deeply to one foot and packed it with cement bags,” he told the reporters.

Pakhal lake is one of the scenic and tourist spot in the district. It is spread over 5,300 acres with water holding capacity of 3.2 tmcft. It irrigates over 18,000 acres during kharif and rabi seasons. It was built by erstwhile Kakatiya kings with hillocks on all three sides and constructed bund on one side.

There was heavy discharge of water which was flowing onto the roads disrupting the road traffic between Narasampet and Warangal towns even on Tuesday.

The Pakhal lake besides catering to the irrigation needs also serves the drinking water needs of people in Narasampet and Mahabubabad mandals.

Mr. Lakshmaiah said the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has accorded loan to the State government to modernise all the old irrigation sources and Pakhal lake would modernised with Rs. 29 crore. “The bund strengthening, revetment and construction of rain gullies will form part of the works,” he explained.

Under JBIC, Mallur vagu in the district would also get Rs 12 crore for repair and maintenance.