Krishna water released from Prakasam barrage to benefit delta farmers
The Water Resources Department on Wednesday released irrigation water from the Prakasam Barrage into the Krishna Eastern and Western main canals to facilitate timely cultivation
The Water Resources Department on Wednesday released irrigation water from the Prakasam Barrage into the Krishna Eastern and Western main canals to facilitate timely cultivation in the Krishna Delta during the ongoing kharif season. District Collector G. Lakshmisha, along with public representatives and irrigation officials, formally released 3,200 cusecs of water through the Krishna Eastern Main Head Regulator.
Special prayers along with traditional offerings of turmeric, vermilion, saree and other ceremonial items were offered to River Krishna before the release. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lakshmisha said that the timely release of irrigation water reflects the State government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and follows the recently conducted ‘Eruvaka Pournami’ programme. He said: “The water release would benefit nearly 30 lakh farmers cultivating around 13.08 lakh acres under the Krishna Delta ayacut, enabling them to take up agricultural operations on schedule.” The Collector said that the government has completed canal desilting and repair works under the ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ programme to ensure irrigation water reaches the tail-end of the ayacut.
He added that steps were also being taken to improve groundwater recharge and ensure adequate irrigation supplies are in place to make farming more profitable. State Irrigation Water Users’ Associations
Federation chairman Alla Gopalakrishna Rao, former zilla parishad chairperson Gadde Anuradha, Krishna District project committee chairman Devanaboyina Venkateswara Rao, senior irrigation officials and other public representatives were present at the programme.