Dowleswaram barrage gates will be replaced in phases, using stop log gates to ensure uninterrupted supply of irrigation water. | Photo credit: File Photo
The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹150.09 crore for replacing the gates of the Dowleswaram Barrage on the Godavari, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Answering a question from Anaparthi MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy during question hour, the Minister described the Dowleswaram barrage as the “lifeline” of the Godavari delta system, which irrigates about 10.13 lakh acres in the undivided twin districts of Godavari and meets drinking water and industrial needs.
Mr. Ramanaidu recalled that in 2014, the Telugu Desam Party government had replaced 58 of the 175 gates of the Dowleswaram Barrage at a cost of ₹31.77 crore. After taking office in 2024, the Coalition Government approved funding to replace the remaining 117 gates.
Mr. Ramanaidu alleged that warnings from the Central Water Commission (CWC) during the previous tenure of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) were not adequately addressed.
He thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for prioritizing security and upgrading of the barrage. The work will be carried out in stages using sluice gates to ensure a continuous supply of irrigation water.
Flood management
In addition, ₹ 13.4 crore has been earmarked for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) and conducting an aerial LiDAR survey to address flood issues and structural issues in the Godavari delta.
The minister also answered Kandukur MLA Inturi Nageswara Rao’s queries on Rallapadu reservoir in Prakasam district. He informed the House that the reservoir with a storage capacity of 1.10 tmc ft irrigates nearly 16,000 acres and supplies drinking water to 116 villages. Of this, 14,500 acres are served by the right canal and 1,500 acres by the left main canal.
He said that ₹36.50 crore was earlier sanctioned for the widening of the left main canal, but the work was later cancelled. In December 2024, technical problems prevented the gates from being raised, affecting the release of water even though the reservoir was full. Engines were subsequently installed to resume delivery.
The government has carried out canal repairs and works at a cost of ₹2.54 crore and is undertaking 190 minor irrigation works in Kandukur constituency at an estimated cost of ₹10.86 crore to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, he added.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 20:51 IST