NDA Government to Oversee Modernisation of Yeleru Irrigation System, Says Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu pledged that the NDA government would take responsibility for completing the modernisation of the Yeleru irrigation system in Kakinada district. During his visit to flood-affected areas near the Yeleru reservoir, Mr. Naidu interacted with residents at Rajupalem in Kirlampudi mandal, part of the Pithapuram Assembly constituency. He also reviewed the ongoing relief efforts, which the Indian Army’s Southern Command supported.

In his address, the Chief Minister stated, "Officials are currently working on a proposal to modernise the Yeleru irrigation system, and its completion will be the responsibility of the NDA partners in Andhra Pradesh." He highlighted the importance of the Yeleru reservoir, which has a storage capacity of 24 tmc, noting that the irrigation system had previously faced issues due to drought. He assured that, in the future, water from the Polavaram irrigation project would be diverted to the Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme, which would replenish the Yeleru reservoir.

Over 14,000 people have been affected by the floods in Kakinada district, with 4,800 of them already relocated to 44 relief camps. Authorities reported that the flooding completely impacted 43 villages. Additionally, more than 6,600 cattle and 1,700 sheep have been rescued and rehabilitated. To assist with rescue and relief operations, officials deployed 51 swimmers and 17 boats in the region.