Comprehensive Plan Underway to Modernise Godavari Delta: Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu

The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to address the persistent flooding problem in the Godavari Delta and strengthen its irrigation infrastructure, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said. A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared based on a ₹13.4-crore LiDAR survey, he said during a review meeting with senior irrigation officials at the Irrigation Camp Office in Vijayawada on Wednesday.

The government has already prepared proposals worth ₹1,137 crore for the Eastern Delta and ₹1,268 crore for the Central Delta as part of the modernisation programme. Ramanaidu directed officials and the agency concerned to speed up the preparation of estimates for the Western Delta so that the entire region could be covered under a coordinated modernisation plan.

The Minister said the programme should focus on improving the condition and capacity of the delta’s canals, drains, bunds, locks and shutters. Desilting and other measures to improve water flow should be taken up systematically, particularly in areas where accumulated silt has reduced the carrying capacity of drainage channels.

Special attention, he said, should be given to dredging at sea mouths, where heavy silt accumulation is affecting the discharge of water into the sea. Officials were asked to prepare a comprehensive plan for clearing the drains in the lower Godavari belt, including areas around Mummidivaram, Amalapuram, Razole, Narasapuram and Bhimavaram.

Ramanaidu also called for a detailed assessment of the British-era locks and outfall sluices that have deteriorated over the years. While repairs should be undertaken wherever feasible, new structures should be considered at locations where the existing infrastructure is no longer capable of meeting requirements.

The Minister directed the IISc Technologies team, which conducted the LiDAR survey, and irrigation officials to incorporate the practical knowledge of local irrigation associations and elected representatives while preparing the DPRs. He said technical findings should be combined with local experience regarding flood-prone areas, drainage conditions and water-flow patterns.

Once the DPRs are finalised, the proposals will be placed before Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to secure the necessary funding. The government aims to provide a long-term solution to flooding while making the Godavari Delta’s irrigation and drainage network more efficient and resilient.