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The Visakhapatnam Industrial Water Supply Company (VIWSCO) that manages the Yeleru canal system has proposed to dredge the Yeleru Left Main Canal in order to tap its full capacity. VIWSCO has invited bids for expression of interest for supply, operation and maintenance of amphibian vehicles for de-weeding, de-silting and dredging of the canal. Long closure of the canal for maintenance had not been resorted to since 2011. “More water is required as the city is witnessing rapid expansion. To meet the demands of new areas as well as growing industrial needs, it is planned to dredge the Yeleru canal so that its maximum carrying capacity of 400 cusecs can be realised, thus bringing in 135 to 140 MGD to the city,” sources told The Hindu. The dredging is likely to be taken up in August. The Yeleru reservoir has been the mainstay of the city’s water supply and pumping from Stage Two of the Purushottapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme has improved levels in it, paving the way for flow by gravity and doing away with pumping from the dead storage of the reservoir that was resorted to in summer. Work completedMeanwhile, 50 to 60% of repair and maintenance work taken up on the canal has been completed. Presently, 300 to 325 cusecs is being drawn from the canal, realising 95 to 100 MGD. However, with summer round the corner, more loss due to seepage, evaporation and pilferage is likely. To make up for the loss in supply, de-weeding is also being taken up. It is expected to be completed by February 15. The work taken up with a cost of about ₹2 crore in November includes strengthening banks, removal of shoals and de-silting.
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