Andhra Pradesh government spends ₹150 crore to fix Dowleswaram Barrage gates to save farm water

The government is spending ₹150.09 crore to fix the Dowleswaram Barrage. This is important because 116 out of 175 gates are rusty and leaking water, which hurts local farming.
By Newsroom | Irrigation, Andhra Pradesh |

The Andhra Pradesh government has earmarked ₹150.09 crore for the replacement of gates at the historic Dowleswaram Barrage. This initiative is positioned as critical for maintaining the Godavari delta's irrigation and water supply, with the barrage serving as a lifeline for a substantial agricultural area and numerous residents. The allocation comes amid concerns about the aging infrastructure and its functional capacity.

AP Allocates ₹150 Crore To Replace Gates Of Historic Dowleswaram Barrage - 1

Barrage Significance and Funding Details

The Dowleswaram Barrage, also known as the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage, is central to the Godavari delta system. It irrigates approximately 10.13 lakh acres and supplies drinking and industrial water to a large population. The recent allocation of ₹150.09 crore by the state government aims to address structural issues, particularly with its gates.

AP Allocates ₹150 Crore To Replace Gates Of Historic Dowleswaram Barrage - 2

  • The announcement was made by Dr. Nimmala Ramanaidu, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Water Resources, during a session in the State Legislative Assembly.

  • The funds are designated for replacing rusted and dysfunctional gates, which have reportedly led to water loss and challenges during flood periods.

  • An additional ₹13.4 crore has been allocated for a detailed project report and a LiDAR survey to assess flood-related issues and structural repairs.

Addressing Gate Functionality and Water Management

Reports indicate that a significant number of the barrage's 175 gates have deteriorated, with 116 gates described as rusted and dysfunctional. This condition has contributed to water wastage and compromised flood control mechanisms.

Read More: Andhra Pradesh Polavaram Dam Project to Finish by July 2027 to Give Water to Rayalaseema

AP Allocates ₹150 Crore To Replace Gates Of Historic Dowleswaram Barrage - 3

  • The project aims to replace damaged gates, including the installation of 12 new head sluice gates (three for the Eastern Delta, four for the Central Delta, and five for the Western Delta).

  • Eight scour sluices are also slated for repair or installation to improve silt removal and flood flushing.

  • Water releases are being managed to ensure continuous supply to the Eastern (2,200 cusecs), Central (1,500 cusecs), and Western (4,100 cusecs) deltas.

Project Execution and Timeline

The works are planned to be executed in phases to mitigate disruption to irrigation supplies. The use of stop-log gates is a key strategy to maintain water flow during the replacement process.

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  • Tenders for replacing gates at the Cotton Barrage were reportedly issued in January.

  • Renovation work is scheduled to commence after the current flood season, with technical planning and tendering processes currently underway.

  • The project also includes extensive civil and electrical works to restore the barrage's full functional capability.

Historical Context and Previous Efforts

The Dowleswaram Barrage holds an international heritage tag from the ICID, acknowledging its antiquity and continued relevance. However, reports suggest it has faced neglect over the years.

  • The current restoration project is presented as a priority by the Chandrababu Naidu government.

  • Previously, the project was intended to be part of the DRIP scheme with a Centre-State funding model, but it stalled due to issues in securing central assistance.

  • Minister Ramanaidu alleged that warnings from the Central Water Commission (CWC) during the previous YSR Congress Party tenure were not adequately addressed, suggesting a prior lack of vigilance.

Infrastructure Repairs and Development

Beyond the gate replacement, the government has undertaken other infrastructure works to bolster the irrigation system.

  • Repairs and canal works have been initiated at a cost of ₹2.54 crore.

  • 190 minor irrigation works in the Kandukur constituency are being undertaken with an estimated cost of ₹10.86 crore.

  • A prior sanction of ₹36.50 crore for the expansion of the left main canal was reportedly cancelled.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Andhra Pradesh government spending ₹150 crore on the Dowleswaram Barrage?
The government is spending this money because 116 gates are rusty and broken. Replacing these gates will stop water from leaking and help farmers get enough water for their crops.
Q: How many acres of land get water from the Dowleswaram Barrage in Andhra Pradesh?
The barrage provides water to about 10.13 lakh acres of farmland in the Godavari delta. It also gives drinking water and water for factories to many people in the area.
Q: When will the repair work on the Dowleswaram Barrage gates start?
The work will start after the current flood season is over. The government has already started the process to find workers and plan the repairs using special stop-log gates to keep water flowing.
Q: What new equipment will be added to the Dowleswaram Barrage during the repairs?
The project will install 12 new head sluice gates for the Eastern, Central, and Western deltas. They will also fix eight scour sluices to help clean out mud and manage flood water better.
Q: Why did the previous repairs for the Dowleswaram Barrage stop?
The repairs stopped because there were problems getting money from the central government. The current government says the previous leaders did not listen to warnings about the rusty gates from water experts.