Somasila Project's dilapidated canals need attention

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-09-13 18:50:01 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 09:18:06

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The Somasila Project, which was built across the Pennar River near Somasila village in Anantha Sagara Mandal District, has been experiencing huge inflows from upper catchment areas and facing issues in managing them. The project has a gross storage capacity of 78 TMC feet, and its purpose is to provide drinking water to municipalities and irrigate farmland in Nellore and Chittoor districts. However, poor maintenance has caused a disaster amid heavy rains and floods in Kadapa district. Recently, a crest gate of the south feeder canal head regulator washed away in floodwaters, affecting over 40,000 acres of farmland. The canal's capacity is only 350 cusecs of water, but its gates have been giving trouble to staffers whenever they try to lift them due to rust. Officials are making temporary arrangements to protect the gates, but it is evident that the project needs urgent attention.

The failure to address the issues with the Somasila Project management in the past has caused problems with evacuating water from the project, which has inundated many areas. It is crucial to take proactive measures and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety and efficiency of the project.

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