The Andhra Pradesh government has begun a ₹152.95‑crore renovation of 117 gates at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage on July 13. The project, slated for completion by July 2028, follows an earlier replacement of 58 gates costing ₹31.77 crore during the 2014‑15 fiscal year.

Key Takeaways

  • Renovation of 117 gates starts on July 13
  • Total project cost — ₹152.95 crore, finish by July 2028
  • 58 gates previously replaced in 2014‑15 for ₹31.77 crore

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu performed a traditional bhumi puja at Gate No. 1 of the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Pitchuka Lanka, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, officially marking the commencement of a 117‑gate replacement programme. The work follows recommendations from the Dam Safety Review Panel and the Central Water Commission.

Historical Context

Designed in 1852 by the British irrigation engineer Sir Arthur Cotton, the 5.837‑km long barrage links Dowleswaram and Vijjeswaram across the Godavari delta, supplying irrigation water to roughly 10 lakh acres of farmland. The current structure, built in 1969, has shown signs of wear, prompting safety concerns that necessitated a comprehensive overhaul.

Financial and Technical Overview

The state sanctioned the renovation in 2025 with a budget of ₹152.95 crore. During the 2014‑15 financial year, 58 gates were replaced at a cost of ₹31.77 crore. Execution has been awarded to Hyderabad‑based BEKEM Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., which aims to complete the work by July 2028, as per an official release from East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri.

Stakeholder Engagement

After the inauguration, Chief Minister Naidu will meet farmers from the Godavari delta to discuss water availability, crop yields, and livelihood impacts. Concurrently, an inquiry into fishing rights at the barrage is underway after disputes arose following the bifurcation of the combined East Godavari district. Joint collectors from East Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema have conducted two rounds of talks with local communities to resolve the issue.

Future Implications

Successful completion of the renovation will bolster the barrage’s structural integrity, improve flood‑control capabilities, and ensure reliable irrigation during drought periods. Experts suggest that such large‑scale water‑infrastructure upgrades could set a precedent for integrated water‑resource management across India, encouraging other states to adopt similar modernization strategies.