2 irrigation schemes planned on Cheyyeru

Kadapa: In a major relief to the farmers of Rajampet and Railway Kodur constituencies, the state government agreed to construct two irrigation projects on Cheyyeru river with an estimated cost of Rs 160 crore.

As part of his initiative to transform Kadapa district as horticulture hub, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has cleared the proposal of Rajampet MLA M Mallikarjuna Reddy for the projects. Chief Minister has directed the district administration to prepare detailed report over the issue.

It is learnt that the Chief Minister is willing to lay foundation for the two projects during his Grama Darshini or Jnana Bheri programmes proposed to be held in the month of September. Once the projects are completed, 30,000 acres in Nandalur, Pullampet, Chakrampet, Vontimitta, Obulavaripalli, Rajampet and Railway Kodur mandals will get water for irrigation.

Several villages in these mandals are also expected to get drinking water. It is proposed to take up the projects in two phases. In phase one (first scheme), 10 check-dams would be constructed on Cheyyeru, each at a cost of Rs 6 crore. Second phase consists of constructing pipeline from Galeru-Nagari canal to Cheyyeru river to draw water and for the storage of 2.5 tmcft water in Annamayya reservoir.

The Cheyyeru river which is the tributary of river Penna originates in Karnataka state and enters into Rayachoti constituency of Kadapa district. Whenever there are floods, the river would get adequate inflows. After having discussions with the Agriculture Minister S Chandramohan Reddy, Rajampet MLA M Mallikarjuna Reddy has brought the issue to the notice of the Chief Minister and the latter positively responded to sanction the funds.

“We are planning to lay foundation stone once we get administrative sanction,” said M Mallikarjuna Reddy to The Hans India. When contacted, District Collector Ch Harikiran said that proposals were sent to the government about the new project.