To improve its storage capacity, particularly to tide over the scarce situation during summer, the option of dredging the Yeleru Left Main Canal (YLMC) is being explored. Owing to heavy silt, the carrying capacity of the canal has suffered a lot.
While the design is for 800 cusecs, the canals are in a position to take only 300 cusecs.
However, to dredge, the canal’s supply from it has to be closed. With Yeleru contributing nearly half the needs of the city and supply to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, taking up maintenance without closing the canal has become a difficult task. For four to five years now, the canal has not been closed for maintenance.
At a recent meeting of Visakhapatnam Industrial Water Supply Company (VIWSCO), Dredging Corporation of India has come out with a proposal to dredge even while maintaining the regular supply, according to Municipal Commissioner Pravin Kumar.
“Some other agencies are also coming forward and we will examine the proposal,” he says. It is learnt that a project report has been submitted by an agency but the cost is high. The Commissioner has reportedly asked for a demonstration of the work with machines. The agencies will reportedly use small machines to de-silt the canal.
GVMC came under fire during the water crisis in the summer of 2010 for not improving its storage when water was abundantly available in the Godavari during rainy season. De-silting Mudasarlova and Meghadrigedda reservoirs is one of the options suggested. The long-pending proposal of laying a pipeline from Yeleru to Kanithi Balancing Reservoir, estimated to cost Rs.1,900 crore a few years ago, has dim chances of being taken up now, say sources.
Strengthening of bunds at weak points along the 153-km Yeleru Left Main Canal has been taken up ahead of releasing 50 cusecs of additional water. At places like Peddipalem in Prattipadu mandal and Chintaluru in Sankhavaram mandal work has been going on with dumping of sand bags. Pilferage is observed at places along the canal. Patrolling, particularly at night, has to be increased, say officials.
