Farmers launch agitation for mini reservoir in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Farmers of 15 villages in Tekkali mandal have been demanding construction of mini reservoir at Lingalavalasa for the last 15 years. It is a plain area located between two hills at Sorligam and Lingalavalasa villages under Tekkali mandal.

The main source of water for it is Cheepurlugedda, a rivulet, which has catchment area at Pathapatnam and Meliaputti mandals. Previously an irrigation tank was located between the two hills, known locally as Katragada tank.

In 1958 a major breach of the bund of the tank occurred. But the officials concerned did not carry out repairs to the bund. After noticing the importance of the irrigation, the then AP Rythu Sangham district president, Pinakana Krishna Murthy, launched a movement to secure mini reservoir for the region.

He gathered farmers and made several representations to public representatives and officials. Following the agitation, feasibility study was made by the irrigation officials but even detailed project report (DPR) on it was submitted to the district administration.

Sitampeta integrated tribal development authority (ITDA) officials constructed a check dam here but later it was damaged and now it is of no use. If mini reservoir constructed, farmers of Lingalavalasa, Sorligam, Savara Sorligam, Balarampuram, Yenodupeta, Mettapeta, Sathivada, Sanyasipeta, Haripuram, Marripadu, Vangara, Jeedipeta, Bangeerupeta, Lachchannapeta and Polavaram in Tekkali mandal and total ayucut area was expected to cover in an extent of 5,000 acres.

AP Rythu Sangham district president, Konari Mohan Rao initiated an activity to gather farmers in all 15 villages. 'Construction of mini reservoir is possible at Katragada at a cost of about Rs 10 crore and only two mini villages, Katipeta with 13 houses and Cheepurubuggi with 12 houses are likely to be displaced' AP Rythu Sangham district president, Konari Mohan Rao explained.

Former Central Minister Killi Kruparani, who is now YSRCP Srikakulam district president, Former Tekkali MLAs, H Appayya Dora, K Revathipathi, K Bharathi, K Atchannaidu failed to address the problem.