Tank restoration works to improve irrigation in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam district administration has taken up development works at Bangarutalli Koneru (tank) in Pendurthi mandal. Spread over 3 acres, the tank is being restored for Rs 10 lakh. The works include desilting, cleaning the tank bed and strengthening the bund. According to officials, the tank provides irrigation water to nearly 30 acres of ayacut land.About 270 labourers are participating in the works every day and earning employment. Once the restoration is completed, irrigation facilities for farmers in Valimeraka and Juttada villages are expected to improve. With assured water supply to 30 acres of ayacut land, crop production is likely to increase.At the same time, the tank development works are generating employment for local rural labourers. Besides addressing the irrigation needs of the villages, the programme is supporting the rural economy by providing confidence to farmers. Around 50 farming families from the two villages are expected to benefit economically.The tank, which is a major source of water for horticultural crops, is mainly used to cultivate vegetables, leafy greens, and millets. Many farmers transport vegetables from this region to markets in Visakhapatnam for sale. Farmers have expressed happiness that the ongoing Jaladhara–Jalaharathi works will restore the former glory of the Valimeraka tank and help it regain its water-rich condition once again.