The Andhra Pradesh State government has sanctioned Rs 150 crore for the repair and facelift of the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage located at Dowleswaram in Rajamahendravaram.

Irrigation engineers are currently preparing detailed project plans, with tenders set to be invited soon. The renovation work is expected to begin after the ongoing flood season. The barrage plays a crucial role in supplying irrigation water to around 10 lakh hectares and providing drinking water to nearly 80 lakh people. Barrage Superintending Engineer Gopinath revealed that 117 new gates will be installed to replace the heavily corroded ones. Out of 175 existing gates, 110 have been completely rusted, causing significant water leakage and operational inefficiencies.

Additionally, the project includes the construction of three new head sluices for the East, Central, and Western Delta canals to maintain consistent water supply. Eight scour sluices will be repaired to improve silt removal and flood flushing efficiency. The facelift also encompasses comprehensive civil and electrical works to restore the barrage’s full operational capacity.