Pawan Kalyan virtually lays foundation for Sankaraguptam drain modernisation in Konaseema

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday virtually laid the foundation stone for the modernisation of the Sankaraguptam Major Drain in Konaseema district, addressing long-standing drainage problems affecting coconut farmers in the region.

Participating from the Mangalagiri camp office, he was joined virtually by Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Rama Naidu. The programme at Shankaraguptam was attended by Razole MLA Deva Varaprasad, Konaseema District Collector Mahesh Kumar and senior officials of the Water Resources Department.

The modernisation project, estimated to cost ₹20.77 crore, is aimed at improving drainage and protecting thousands of coconut trees that have been under threat due to persistent waterlogging.

Recalling his visit to the Razole constituency, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said he had personally witnessed the damage caused to coconut plantations due to blocked drains. He said nearly one lakh coconut trees had been damaged, highlighting the urgency of the issue. He added that the matter was immediately brought to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and an action plan was prepared.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace of execution, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the works commenced within 35 days, ahead of the planned 45-day schedule, and credited the swift support of the Chief Minister. The project will cover a stretch of 8.5 km to 16.5 km of the drain and include strengthening of embankments up to 14.5 km on both sides.

He reiterated the coalition government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and said similar drainage modernisation works across East Godavari district would require an investment of nearly ₹4,000 crore.

The project is expected to provide immediate relief to hundreds of coconut farmers and prevent future losses caused by drainage issues, reinforcing the government’s focus on safeguarding agricultural livelihoods in the Konaseema region.