The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing a comprehensive plan to address Godavari delta flooding, with modernisation proposals worth ₹2,405 crore already drawn up for the eastern and central delta areas and further assessments planned for the western delta.
Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced the planning exercise at a review meeting on Godavari Delta Modernisation held at his camp office. He said a detailed project report was being prepared using data from a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey conducted at a cost of ₹13.4 crore.
The proposals currently include modernisation works estimated at ₹1,137 crore in the eastern delta and ₹1,268 crore in the central delta. The minister directed officials to prepare cost estimates for the western delta as well, indicating that the final scale of the programme will depend on further assessment and the preparation of additional project documentation.
The works under consideration cover several parts of the delta’s flood-management and water-discharge system. Ramanaidu instructed agencies to prioritise canals, drains, bund strengthening, desilting, locks and shutters. Officials were also directed to prepare a plan for dredging at the sea mouth, where water from the delta ultimately discharges.
The minister specifically called for the desilting of drains in Mummidivaram, Amalapuram, Razole, Narasapuram, Bhimavaram and other areas. These drains discharge water into the sea, making their carrying capacity and connection to the outfall system central to the functioning of the delta’s drainage network, according to the issues identified at the review meeting.
The review also focused on ageing water-control infrastructure. Ramanaidu directed officials to repair old locks, outfall sluices and other systems that are in a dilapidated condition. These structures regulate the movement and discharge of water, and their condition is part of the infrastructure assessment now being incorporated into the proposed modernisation plan.
The use of a LiDAR survey marks the technical basis for the new DPR. The survey cost ₹13.4 crore, and the information gathered through it is being used to prepare a detailed assessment of the works required across the delta. The report is expected to consolidate the proposals for drainage, canal systems, embankments, discharge structures and related repairs.
The Godavari delta’s flood-management challenge involves more than individual drainage channels. The minister’s directions cover connected infrastructure, including canals that carry water, drains that move it towards the sea, bunds that provide protection, and locks and shutters that regulate flows. The proposed sea-mouth dredging plan adds another component to the system under review.
The immediate administrative task is to complete the DPRs and cost estimates. Once prepared, the reports will be placed before Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Ramanaidu said efforts would then be made to secure the funds required for the works.
