Permanent solution planned for Nallamada Drain, says Union Minister

The government is determined to find a permanent solution to the recurring flood problems caused by the Nallamada Drain and Guntur Channel, in the erstwhile Guntur district, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said.

During his visit to the cyclone-affected villages of Returu and Appapuram in Kakumanu mandal of Prattipadu constituency on Saturday (November 01), the Minister inspected submerged fields and interacted with local farmers along with MLA B. Ramanjaneyulu.

Dr. Pemmasani said the region faces two major issues, including, expansion of the Guntur Channel and flood management of the Nallamada Drain. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has already identified these as priority issues and allocated funds in the State Budget for modernization and expansion of the Guntur Channel. Work will begin soon,” he said.

Explaining the gravity of the drain issue, he noted that floodwaters from Bapatla, Palnadu and surrounding regions converge into the Nallamada Drain, which has a capacity of 22,000 cusecs but received nearly 42,000 cusecs during the recent storm. “The only solution is to expand the canal and clear the blocked bridges,” he added.

The Minister acknowledged that due to the State’s current financial constraints, all works cannot be completed within a single year. Land acquisition of some 450 acres is needed, including 120 acres of government land and over 300 acres of private land. “With rising land costs, we will review the project once again and work towards a permanent solution. The issue will be brought to the notice of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and we will seek allocations in the upcoming budget,” Dr. Pemmasani assured.

He also said efforts are underway to remove the silt accumulated in the Nallamada Drain to improve water flow and prevent future flooding.