Somasila Project's Troubled Waters: A Dam in Distress

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-10-10 18:10:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-18 06:06:00

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The Somasila Project, a vital irrigation and drinking water source for Nellore and surrounding districts, is in a critical state, with its infrastructure struggling to withstand the test of time and nature's fury. This once-ambitious project, envisioned to irrigate over 5.84 lakh acres of land and quench the thirst of Chennai, now faces challenges that threaten its very purpose.

The recent floodwaters that inundated the region have exposed the project's vulnerabilities. On Friday, a crest gate of the south feeder canal head regulator succumbed to the relentless flow, washing away in a dramatic display of nature's power. This incident is not an isolated one; it follows a pattern of struggles dating back to 2015 when flash floods tested the dam's limits. In 2020, officials were forced to release massive amounts of water, exceeding 5 lakh cusecs, to safeguard the dam, leading to criticism from opposition parties about the project's management.

The project's current state raises concerns about the impact on agriculture and water supply. With over 40,000 acres of farmland affected by the recent damage, the region's agricultural productivity is at stake. The Somasila Project, initially designed to stabilize and expand irrigation potential, now faces the irony of being unable to fulfill its promises due to aging infrastructure.

B Venkata Ramana Reddy, SE of the Somasila Project, assures that temporary measures are being taken to protect the gates. However, the question remains: Can these temporary fixes address the root causes, or is a comprehensive overhaul required to secure the region's water future?

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