The project aims to irrigate 1.31 lakh acres, is currently serving 84,033 acres, with plans to expand coverage under both old and new canal systems

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Minister for Women, Child and Tribal Welfare Gummadi Sandhya Rani on Sunday released water from the Thotapalli Reservoir to mark the start of Kharif irrigation in Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. The release will help fill minor irrigation tanks in 17 mandals, supporting thousands of farmers.

The project, which aims to irrigate 1.31 lakh acres, is currently serving 84,033 acres, with plans to expand coverage under both old and new canal systems. This season, Vizianagaram will receive water for 55,443 acres, Parvathipuram for 5,238 acres, and Srikakulam for nearly 23,000 acres through canals and tanks.

The Minister announced Rs.470.72 lakh under SDMF for canal desilting and Rs.67.60 lakh for 2025 maintenance works. She praised farmers' contributions to the project and said the government is committed to resolving inter-state water disputes and filling vacant Laskar posts. Sub-Collector Ashutosh Srivastava confirmed that land issues have been resolved and said the reservoir holds strong tourism potential. Local MLAs, engineers, and community leaders also took part in the event.