Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, has affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the persistent flooding issues stemming from the Nallamada Drain and Guntur Channel in the erstwhile Guntur district.
During a recent visit to cyclone-ravaged villages like Returu and Appapuram in Kakumanu mandal of Prattipadu constituency on Saturday, November 1, the Minister personally assessed the submerged agricultural fields and engaged in direct discussions with affected farmers, accompanied by MLA B. Ramanjaneyulu.
Dr. Pemmasani highlighted two critical challenges confronting the region: the urgent need to expand the Guntur Channel and to implement effective flood management for the Nallamada Drain. He noted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has prioritized these concerns, earmarking funds in the State Budget for the modernization and expansion of the Guntur Channel, with work expected to commence shortly.
Elaborating on the severity of the drain’s predicament, Dr. Pemmasani pointed out that the Nallamada Drain, designed to handle 22,000 cusecs, was overwhelmed by approximately 42,000 cusecs of floodwater from Bapatla, Palnadu, and neighboring areas during the recent storm. He emphasized that the only viable solution involves significantly expanding the canal and clearing any obstructions at its bridges.
Acknowledging the State’s current financial limitations, the Minister conceded that completing all necessary work within a single year would be challenging. The project requires the acquisition of approximately 450 acres, comprising 120 acres of government land and over 300 acres of private land. Dr. Pemmasani reassured that given the escalating land costs, the project would undergo a thorough review to ensure a sustainable solution. He pledged to bring the matter to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s attention and seek essential budgetary allocations in the forthcoming financial plan.
Furthermore, he confirmed that initiatives are already in progress to desilt the Nallamada Drain, which will enhance water flow capacity and mitigate the risk of future flooding.