Andhra Pradesh’s Water Resources Minister, Nimmala Ramanaidu, has issued stringent directives to officials across all cyclone-affected districts: maintain maximum alert and conduct continuous field inspections. This mandate applies to everyone from Chief Engineers down to local ground staff, ensuring no stone is left unturned in preparedness efforts.
During a video conference held Monday from the Secretariat in Amaravati, the Minister personally oversaw the department’s readiness for Cyclone Montha. He emphatically instructed all personnel to remain at their designated headquarters, cancel any outstanding leave, and report for duty immediately. Any breaches or damages to vital water infrastructure, such as tanks, canals, or bunds, must be addressed and repaired without a moment’s delay.
Furthermore, officials were directed to ensure all essential equipment, including sandbags, pumps, and boats, are readily available. Regular inspections of gates and sluices are crucial to guarantee their optimal working condition. A key priority is to issue advance warnings to residents in low-lying and downstream areas before any water releases necessitated by the cyclone’s impact. “It is imperative that every single precaution is taken to avert any loss of life, damage to property, or harm to crops,” the Minister stressed.
Highlighting the severe rainfall predicted for NTR district, Minister Ramanaidu specifically ordered constant monitoring of the Budameru Diversion Channel. He urged officials to ensure that the Old Budameru stretch, particularly from the Velagaleru regulator to Enikepadu within Vijayawada city, remains completely clear of any obstructions to water flow. Similar strict vigilance was called for regarding Errakalva, Yanamadurru Drain, Burada Kalva, Sudda Vagu, Eleru Reservoir, and Raivada Canal. He also emphasized the importance of seamless coordination with the District Collector and various departments, including Revenue, Disaster Management, Police, Electricity, Municipal Administration, and Rural Water Supply.
Minister Ramanaidu concluded by reiterating that the unwavering vigilance and rapid response of irrigation officials are paramount in effectively mitigating the devastating impact of Cyclone Montha, thereby protecting the lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure of vulnerable communities. The meeting saw the attendance of key officials, including Special Commissioner for CAD Prashanthi, Irrigation Advisor Venkateswara Rao, ENC Narasimha Murthy, Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers.