Andhra Pradesh Roads and Buildings Minister B. C. Janardhan Reddy has committed to addressing the ongoing leakages at the Owk Reservoir permanently. He stated that the matter will be brought to the immediate attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to ensure a lasting fix. Reassuring the community, he appealed to farmers and residents to remain calm, emphasizing that all necessary safety precautions are being actively implemented.
On Sunday, Minister Janardhan Reddy, accompanied by irrigation officials, conducted an inspection of the repair efforts at the Owk Reservoir. Their visit also included an assessment of the recently compromised revetment of Timmaraju Cheruvu, which is situated beneath the Owk Reservoir. Following the inspection, Mr. Janardhan Reddy clarified that water is seeping from minor breaches within the reservoir, a situation that an expert team has already evaluated.
Based on the expert team’s findings, an allocation of ₹1 crore has been approved. Tenders have been initiated, and agreements finalized, to commence works valued at ₹68 lakh. The Minister highlighted that a previous one-meter leakage has now expanded to three meters. “Despite this increase, we are diligently taking every safety measure, and there is no need for public alarm. We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness and are dedicated to plugging these leakages,” Mr. Janardhan Reddy affirmed.
Recounting the incident, the Minister mentioned that upon learning of the growing leakage while in Vijayawada, he immediately alerted irrigation officials. “We advised officials to lower the reservoir’s water levels as a safety precaution for the public. We want to reassure farmers that there’s no cause for concern regarding irrigation for the upcoming crop, as the Gorukallu Reservoir is currently full, ensuring ample water supply,” he added.
Mr. Janardhan Reddy reiterated his pledge to escalate the issue to the Chief Minister and the Water Resources Department Minister, ensuring a comprehensive and timely resolution.