HYDERABAD: After successfully interlinking Godavari and Krishna rivers by completing Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project, Andhra Pradesh government is now shifting its focus to Rayalaseema region. The plan is to divert flood waters from Godavari basin to Penna River to quench the thirst of Rayalaseema region, Prakasam and Nellore districts in the State.
The State government has roped in Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), a premier consultancy organisation under the Union Ministry of Water Resources, to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to achieve this objective.
WAPCOS has been asked to prepare the DPR
in such a way that water is supplied to the four districts of Rayalaseema, apart from Prakasam and Nellore districts by diverting surplus waters from Godavari river to Krishna at Prakasam Barrage and to Penna river.
The State government has sanctioned `5 crore as consultancy fees to the WAPCOS for preparation of DPR.
“The DPR will give suggestion on how to interlink Godavari, Krishna, Pennar and Palar rivers. The State government has asked the consultancy firm to submit the DPR within four months time,” said Aditya Nath Das, principal secretary for Water Resources, AP.
The report will also identify the number of villages that are likely to be submerged to provide relief and rehabilitation package for them, he added.