ANANTAPUR: Minister for Finance, Planning, Commercial Taxes and Legislative Affairs Payyavula Keshav on Tuesday said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s ‘Go all out’ directive was the driving force behind the ongoing large-scale replacement of gates at the Tungabhadra dam near Hospet in Karnataka.
Inspecting the works along with Government Whip Kalava Srinivasulu and board officials, the minister said that replacing all 33 dam gates within a single season is a record achievement in the country.
He expressed confidence that the executing agency would complete the works ahead of schedule, with a target to finish installation before the next irrigation season.
Keshav said that 18 gates have already been installed, while welding works are underway, and the remaining gates are progressing rapidly.
The government aims to complete all 33 gates by May to ensure adequate water storage ahead of the monsoon.
The Minister said that safeguarding the interests of Rayalaseema farmers remains a top priority.
“The ongoing works at the dam stand as proof that the government is ready to go to any extent to protect farmers’ interests,” he asserted and added that the modernisation would ensure trouble-free operation for the next 50 years.
The minister also noted that the replacement of massive 60-foot gates involves significant logistical challenges, including fabrication, transportation, and installation, all of which are being closely monitored with expert guidance and support from agencies like the Central Water Commission.
He alleged that despite expert warnings, no corrective action was taken by the previous government.