Water Resources Minister asks irrigation officials in Andhra Pradesh to step up flood-control measures

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has directed the irrigation officials to remain on high alert and take advance flood-control measures in view of the heavy rains being received across Andhra Pradesh.

Reviewing the rainfall and flood situation with the senior irrigation officials through a teleconference on Thursday, Mr. Ramanaidu asked them to continuously monitor inflows into reservoirs, rivers and streams and take precautionary measures based on weather forecasts.

He also directed the officials to closely monitor the inflows into the Munneru and the flood situation in the Budameru, and operate the Pattiseema pumps as required. Rainfall in the catchment of the Yeleru reservoir should also be monitored continuously and the Purushothapatnam pumps operated according to the situation, the Minister said.

Mr. Ramanaidu also asked the officials to keep a close watch on the flows in the Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Bahuda and Mahendratanaya rivers, and alert people in the respective river basins in advance about possible flood situations.

He instructed the officials manning the Irrigation Department’s war room to monitor the situation round the clock and immediately pass on necessary instructions to the field-level staff. Senior officials should also remain available in the field and oversee the situation, he said.

All departments should work in coordination and take advance measures to prevent inconvenience to people and minimise the risk of loss of life and property, the Minister said.

Irrigation Special Chief Secretary Shashi Bhushan Kumar, KADA Commissioner Prashanthi, Irrigation Adviser Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief Narasimha Murthy, chief engineers, and superintending engineers participated in the teleconference.