Minister furious over six-year delay in canal repairs

Metro India News | VEEPANAGANDLA

Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Excise, Jupalli Krishnarao, expressed strong anger at officials for failing to repair the broken Rajiv Bima Lift Irrigation (Package-16) main canal, which has remained damaged for six years.

On Saturday, he inspected the breach at Nagarlabanda Tanda in Veepanagandla mandal and reprimanded authorities for their negligence. The canal, built from Rangasamudram Balancing Reservoir and spanning approximately 76.825 km, is supposed to supply irrigation to 16,666 acres according to official records.

However, in reality, the canal had broken on July 23, 2019, at the 62.25 km mark, and officials have continued sending false reports that water is being supplied. Local farmers informed the minister that the breach has prevented water from reaching the farthest fields, causing significant losses.

Minister Jupalli criticized the contractor under the EPC agreement, saying the government-contractor contract is still incomplete and the work has not been officially finished. He clarified that the contractor is fully responsible for all repairs and directed authorities to immediately fill the breach and complete all remaining canal, minor, and sub-minor works to ensure water reaches every acre.

The minister warned that any delay in providing irrigation would not be tolerated.