Rajamahendravaram Barrage Repairs Begin, ₹150 Crore Sanctioned For Godavari Delta
The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹150 crore for critical repairs and upgrades to the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram in Rajamahendravaram. This key irrigation structure, which channels Godavari River water to over 10 lakh hectares of farmland and supplies drinking water to around 80 lakh residents, has suffered neglect over the past five years. Authorities confirmed that the work will begin post-flood season, with tenders and technical planning currently underway to revive the barrage’s structural and functional efficiency.
The Dowleswaram Barrage, often referred to as a lifeline of the Godavari delta, has long awaited much-needed repairs due to funding delays. The newly sanctioned ₹150 crore will facilitate a complete overhaul of the barrage’s infrastructure. Experts from the irrigation department revealed that 117 gates will be installed to replace old and rust-damaged components, ensuring controlled water flow and reducing losses. Currently, 110 out of 175 gates are severely corroded, impacting efficient water distribution. The plan also includes building three new head sluices for the East, Central, and Western Delta canals, guaranteeing consistent irrigation support across the region. Officials said this upgrade is not only critical for maintaining food security in the region but also to sustain drinking water supply across several urban and rural settlements. With flood season approaching, preparatory work like tendering and design reviews is being expedited, while major civil and electrical works are scheduled post-monsoon.
Apart from the replacement of barrage gates, the restoration plan includes extensive rehabilitation of silt management systems. Eight scour sluices, essential for post-flood silt flushing, will be repaired to enhance sediment flow and prevent blockages that affect canal operations. Civil engineers said improved silt removal mechanisms are vital to maintain storage capacity and reduce pressure on the structure during high flood discharge. The renovation will also address both civil and electrical aspects of the barrage, modernising operations and boosting resilience against seasonal wear and tear. While the barrage has historically played a pivotal role in Andhra Pradesh’s agrarian economy, its weakening condition posed risks to long-term water management. Technical teams are now integrating safety features and automation to prevent operational failures. Once completed, the project is expected to restore full capacity and efficiency of the barrage, ensuring that both irrigation and drinking water systems function without disruption for the next several decades.
The Dowleswaram Barrage renovation signals a critical investment in Andhra Pradesh’s long-term water security strategy. By addressing structural erosion, enhancing silt management, and modernising canal flow systems, the state aims to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure reliable drinking water for millions. Experts believe the ₹150 crore investment marks a timely and essential intervention to prevent further degradation of one of India’s most vital irrigation structures. Once completed, the renewed barrage will serve as a resilient backbone for the Godavari delta region, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agricultural and urban water management in southern India.
