Relief for coconut farmers: ₹20.77 Cr Sankaraguptham drain modernisation works launched

The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to building a state where farmers do not suffer in silence, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said on Tuesday while launching the modernisation works of the Sankaraguptham Major Drain. The project, estimated at ₹20.77 crore, aims to provide a permanent solution to a decades-old problem faced by coconut farmers in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Pawan Kalyan virtually laid the foundation stone for the works from his camp office. The project addresses the long-standing issue of seawater intrusion, which has been damaging thousands of acres of coconut plantations in the region.

During his visit to Kesavadasupalem in the Razole constituency on November 26, the Deputy Chief Minister witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by saline water entering farmlands. He had then assured farmers that an action plan would be prepared within 45 days. Notably, the government approved the funds and began the works within just 35 days.

As part of the project, desilting works will be carried out along a stretch of the Sankaraguptham Major Drain from 8.5 km to 16.5 km. In addition, embankments will be strengthened on both sides of the drain up to 14.5 km. These measures are expected to protect coconut groves from saline water and help revive agricultural productivity, benefiting hundreds of farmers.

Pawan Kalyan also pointed out that around 250 acres of drain land have reportedly been encroached upon. He directed the district collector to take immediate action to clear the encroachments and safeguard the drainage system.

Despite the state’s challenging financial situation, he thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for prioritising farmer welfare and approving funds for the project.

Recalling his earlier initiative, Pawan Kalyan mentioned that he had launched the ‘Kaulu Rythu Bharosa Yatra’ with ₹5 crore from his personal earnings to support tenant farmers. He said the same spirit continues now through government action to address farmers’ problems.

He further stated that the government is studying the expert committee report on improving the drainage system in the erstwhile East Godavari district and plans to take up large-scale modernisation works worth around ₹4,000 crore in the future. He also assured that the proposal to establish a Coconut Board in Konaseema would be taken up with the Central government.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav participated in the programme virtually, while Razole MLA Deva Varaprasad, Konaseema District Collector Mahesh Kumar, and other officials were present.