Union minister of state for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar reaffirmed the NDA alliance government’s commitment to accelerate the long pending Guntur Channel modernisation and expansion and launched a road connectivity initiative in Ananthavarappadu village in Guntur district. He inspected the 47 km long channel that was constructed in 1972 and described its role in supplying Krishna River water for drinking and irrigation in the district. The channel has a carrying capacity of 600 cusecs and currently irrigates nearly 27,000 acres.

The minister said ageing culverts, gates and bridges had rendered modernisation essential and noted that the chief minister approved the project in 2017–18 at an estimated cost of Rs two point five billion (bn), including Rs one bn for land acquisition. He added that more than Rs 280 million (mn) have already been disbursed to farmers as compensation and that land acquisition had been expedited after the alliance government returned to power. He directed officials to begin canal works immediately where acquisition is complete and instructed that excavated soil should be used locally.

Pemmasani laid the foundation stone for a three and a half kilometre road connecting the NH-16 service road to Ananthavarappadu, a project sanctioned with CRDA funding of Rs 67 mn to address a long pending demand of villagers. He asked officials to complete the road to high construction standards within six months so it remains durable for at least five to seven years. He also pledged action on drainage in Scheduled Caste colonies and measures to prevent sewage discharge into the Guntur Channel.

The minister said visible development should reach every village and that the government will continue prioritising irrigation, road infrastructure, drinking water and drainage projects while addressing local issues in a phased manner. He assured residents that drainage facilities would be provided to prevent waterlogging and that other civic issues raised would be dealt with through the local administration. Officials were asked to report progress and ensure timely completion of the initiatives.