Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced that the State Government has approved Rs. 13.4 crore for a comprehensive LiDAR survey aimed at resolving long-standing irrigation challenges and flood-related vulnerabilities in the Godavari Delta. Stating that the government is committed to restoring the region to its former prosperity, the Minister said the LiDAR mapping would help design an effective modernisation plan for both East and West Godavari districts.

Chairing a review meeting with irrigation authorities at the Secretariat, Ramanaidu directed officials to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) by the end of December. The DPR will include flood-risk analysis, assessment of lock and gate repairs, desilting requirements, and strengthening of drainage systems. The Minister emphasised that the current government’s priority is to revive irrigation systems that have deteriorated over the past several years.

Taking strong exception to the previous YSRCP administration’s handling of the delta, the Minister accused the former government of causing unprecedented harm to a region that has historically served as the food bowl of Andhra Pradesh. He said that although funds were available, the earlier regime failed to carry out modernisation works and even issued pre-closure orders for projects that were already underway.

As a result, the delta witnessed widespread flooding, stalled repair works on locks and gates, incomplete desilting of canals and drains, weakening of embankments and severe crop losses. Due to this neglect, he said, farmers are now struggling to cultivate even the first crop of the season, forcing them to depend solely on the second crop.

Minister Ramanaidu instructed officials to accelerate the LiDAR survey so that modernisation works can be resumed without delay. He reiterated that the government is determined to restore the Godavari Delta's irrigation network and prevent recurring flood damage. He also highlighted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has already sanctioned Rs. 150 crore for installing new gates at the Dhavaleswaram Barrage, an important step towards strengthening water regulation mechanisms in the region.

The review meeting was attended by Irrigation Advisor M. Venkateswara Rao, ENC Narasimha Murthy, the Chief Engineer of the Godavari Delta System, SEs, EEs, agency representatives and other senior officials.