>
Title: Need to release funds for repair, restoration and modernization of small ponds and rivulets in drought-prone areas of Andhra Pradesh.
SHRI ANANTHA VENKATARAMI REDDY (ANANTAPUR): Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh is a drought-prone area and continuously for years together, the rainfall is very deficient. The water of rainfall is saved in ponds and small rivulets in the district. There are more than 2,650 such ponds and rivulets in Anantapur district. Due to silt and other reasons, water is not stored in these ponds and rivulets. Moreover, the channels through which water comes to these ponds and rivulets are also not in good condition which is affecting the supply of water to these ponds.
To ensure repair, restoration and modernization of more than 2,650 such ponds and rivulets in Anantapur district, the Government of Andhra Pradesh have sent a proposal for release of Rs. 117 crores in the current financial year so that the works could be taken up on war footing. The release of funds to the State is pending with the Centre. Since the financial year is coming to a close very soon, there is an urgent need to release these funds.
I, therefore, urge upon the Ministry of Finance to immediately release the amount of Rs. 117 crores to the Government of Andhra Pradesh so that it can take up the repair and renovation work of these small ponds and rivulets in Andhra Pradesh which is urgently needed in this drought-prone district.