Sangam, Nellore Barrages Finally Set for Inauguration

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-07-31 10:51:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-01 15:13:46

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After years of delay, the Sangam and Nellore barrages, irrigation projects started over a decade ago in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district, are set to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. These projects, started during Dr. YSR's regime, faced several delays and funding issues over the years, but finally, after recent speedy work, they are almost ready to open.

For a long time, these projects were highly anticipated by locals, especially farmers, who stand to benefit from them. After several deadlines came and went, locals thought they may never get to see the completion of this project. The ruling party even faced criticism for the delay. However, recently, the projects underwent rapid completion, and officials say the state government spent Rs 131 crore on the Sangam Barrage and Rs 77 crore on the Nellore barrage to get them to their current state.

Nellore Anicut, the oldest of the two, was constructed in the 1860s by the British to irrigate up to one lakh acres under Sarvepalli canal and Jaffer Saheb Canals. Over the years, especially during the regime of Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy, plans were made to modernize these barrages. The works on Sangam Barrage started in 2006 and faced delays due to funding issues and changes in foundation levels. Initially, the works of Penna Barrage started in 2008 with a budget of 126.70 crore. The agency responsible for the barrage approached the court for payment of dues due to the changes in the foundation works.

With the sudden demise of former Chief Minister Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy in 2009, the state government's priorities changed, which led to further delays. Meanwhile, the cost of works for Nellore barrage went up to Rs 274.83 crore from the initial Rs 146.20 crore within 5-6 years, while the works of Sangam barrage were initially proposed with Rs 147.50 crore in 2006 but the cost escalated to Rs 335.80 crore.

Although there is no clear answer as to why these projects experienced such massive delays, officials confirmed that the state government spent a significant amount of money over the last few years to complete the pending works on these projects.

Finally, locals can now heave a sigh of relief as they will be able to make use of these long-awaited projects. Officials are also working to ensure that they not only complete these projects but also maintain them effectively.

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