Top priority to irrigation projects, says Collector

Hari Jawaharlal, till recently Special Commissioner of Agriculture Department, took over as district Collector here on Thursday.

Joint Collector K. Venkata Ramana Reddy, ITDA Project Director G. Lakshmisha, in-charge DRO K. Srilata, and ZP CEO T. Venkateswara Rao accorded him a warm welcome.

Word of caution

Later, addressing the media, Mr. Jawaharlal said his aim was to offer a clean and effective administration . He said stern action would be taken against officials indulging in corrupt activities.

Mr. Jawaharlal said coordination among departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, District Water Management Agency, and Irrigation was necessary for improvement in the farm sector . “Many government schemes such as farm ponds, NTR Jalasiri, and renovation of tanks, which have a bearing on the sector, are being handled by various departments. Perfect coordination among the officials will benefit the farmers,” he said.

Increase in agriculture income would prevent migration , he opined. “All pending irrigation projects will be taken on priority to provide water to maximum extent of fields. This will boost the confidence of the farmers and spur local economic activity,” the Collector said.