Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the modernization of the historic Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram in East Godavari district. After unveiling the commemorative plaque, he inspected the water flow at the barrage gates and reviewed the progress of the project with officials from the Irrigation Department.
Following the recommendations of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the state government has initiated the replacement of the remaining 117 barrage gates with new, modern structures. Officials informed the Chief Minister that 58 gates had already been replaced during the previous TDP government between 2014 and 2019.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the installation of the remaining gates using advanced technology by June next year. Officials assured him that all modernization works would be completed before the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, ensuring improved safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability of the barrage.
