Laxity in preparation of estimates for canal works irks Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu reviewed the preparation of estimates for constituency-wise canal works, including removal of weed, water hyacinth and silt, in a video-conference with the Chief Engineers on Friday.

Mr. Ramanaidu expressed dissatisfaction that estimates were not prepared by March 25 in spite of orders to submit them in the given timeframe.

​The Minister said desilting and clearing of the weed should be done by May, and recalled that under the previous administration, permissions had been granted as late as June when the Kharif season begins.

As a consequence, water had to be released even before completion of repair and maintenance works. He stressed the need to make the estimates in advance, secure approvals from the Finance Department promptly and wrap up all works before the start of the irrigation season.

The Minister highlighted that since the TDP-led coalition took the reins, funds were being given on a war-footing to ensure that canal maintenance works were taken up on priority basis, and asserted that the government was striving to provide irrigation water to every single acre.