Minister Sandhya Rani Releases Water from Thotapalli Reservoir

Parvathipuram, July 6:State Minister for Women & Child Welfare and Tribal Welfare, Gummidi Sandhya Rani, on Sunday, released water from the Thotapalli Reservoir for the 2024 Kharif season. The released water will help fill minor irrigation tanks across 17 mandals in Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. This release supports water management till the tail-end areas of the project.

Originally designed to irrigate 1,31,221 acres, the reservoir is currently supplying water to 84,033 acres. Of this:

In Parvathipuram Manyam, 5,238 out of 13,684 acres are receiving irrigation.

In Vizianagaram, 55,443 out of 78,563 acres are covered.

In Srikakulam, 23,351 out of 38,974 acres are being irrigated.

For 2024 Kharif season:

In Vizianagaram: 40,440 acres under canals and 13,133 acres via tanks.

In Parvathipuram Manyam: 3,754 acres under canals and 2,269 acres via tanks.

In Srikakulam: 14,415 acres via canals and 5,372 acres via tanks.

Stabilization has been achieved for 64,000 acres under the old Left Main Canal (LMC), Right Main Canal (RMC), and open head channels.

Plans for 2025 Kharif include irrigating 84,033 acres through the new Right Main Canal, and stabilizing 64,000 acres under the old Thotapalli Regulator ayacut.

In the 2024-25 financial year, under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), ₹470.72 lakhs has been sanctioned for priority irrigation restoration works including desilting and rust removal in the Right Main Canal. These works are currently underway. Additionally, ₹67.60 lakhs has been sanctioned for 10 maintenance works during 2025.

Speaking at the event, Minister Sandhya Rani acknowledged the sacrifices of Thotapalli farmers, stating that their contribution benefits three districts. She announced steps to submit proposals for the appointment of watermen (laskars) and fill these posts on a permanent basis. On the Janjhavati and Kotia issues, she said the Chief Minister is ready to hold talks with the Chief Minister of Odisha. She added that the Poornapadu-Labesu Bridge will be completed soon.

She appealed to village sarpanches not to obstruct MGNREGS works, and instructed officials to ensure timely supply of fertilizers to farmers.

Parvathipuram Sub-Collector and ITDA Project Officer Ashutosh Srivastava stated that land issues for the project have been resolved. He said some works have been sanctioned under the MGNREGS, and assured that any pending works will be addressed. He also noted that the reservoir holds strong potential for tourism development, and that plans are being considered.

The event was attended by Government Whip and Kurupam MLA Toyaka Jagadeeshwari, Superintending Engineer (Water Resources) KVN Swarna Kumar, Thotapalli Executive Engineer H. Manmadha Rao, Deputy EE B. Govind Rao, Raghu, Thotapalli Water Supply Committee President Palla Papi Naidu, TRICOR Board Member Puvvula Lavanya, and other officials and stakeholders.