The Hindu Business Line : AP ploughing back water service charges to farmers’ organisations

Hydearbad, June 17 The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to plough back the 20 per cent amount collected by the Government as water service charges back to farmers’ organisations.

“We feel that this 20 per cent amount which earlier came to Government can be utilised for appointment of laskars (locals) and for better water management,” Mr Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Minister for Medium and Major Irrigation, Andhra Pradesh Government, said at a press conference here on Tuesday.

He added that the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, while conducting a review on irrigation system management, desired that provision also be made for local collection and plough back from next year onwards.

The Government has also sanctioned Rs 24 crore for dredging operation works of sea mouth opening and de-congestion of drains.

The Minister said that it was decided to complete these works in the next two months.

Release of funds

“Also issues regarding operation and maintenance were discussed particularly with reference to operational procedure for release of funds to farmers and engineers,” Mr Lakshmaiah said.

He added that it was decided that 75 per cent of funds would be released during the first quarter itself so that current year works can be carried and completed during the canal closure period.

Mr Lakshmaiah said Rs 69 crore has been provided for tax re-ploughs to carry out operation and maintenance works through the elected Water Users Associations, Distributaries Committees and Project Committees during the canal closure period.

“Additionally, Rs 300 crore has been provided for minimum restoration of all irrigation systems which have earlier been not taken up or neglected,” the Minster said.

Engineering posts

Mr Lakshmaiah said the Government has decided to fill around 1,886 engineering posts during the year.

“In the last four years, 1,200 posts have been filled and a notification has been already issued for filling 1,357 posts and soon another notification will be issued for filling 530 vacancies.”

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