Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister YS Jagan inaugurates Owk tunnel project for Rayalaseema

In a resounding achievement on 30.11.2023, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dedicated the second tunnel to Owk, a crucial component of the Galeru Nagari project. The completion of this 4.526 km tunnel, out of a total length of 5.801 km, marks a significant stride towards facilitating the flow of 20,000 cusecs through the Galeru Nagari flood canal.

రాయలసీమను సస్యశ్యామలం చేస్తూ, ప్రజల సాగు, తాగునీటి అవసరాలను తీర్చే ‘అవుకు రెండో టన్నెల్’ను నేడు ప్రారంభించిన సీఎం శ్రీ వైఎస్ జగన్. #GNSS #OWKTunnel pic.twitter.com/30sH8MZrxP

— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) November 30, 2023

Balancing the Budget, Completing the Construction

While the majority of the tunnel construction transpired during the YSR regime, Chief Minister Jagan invested Rs.145.86 crores to successfully conclude Tunnel II. Additionally, Tunnel 3, nearing completion, incurred an expenditure of Rs.934 crores. The collective spending on all three tunnels, amounting to Rs.1,501.94 crores, signifies a financial commitment to enhance water flow to 30,000 cusecs.

అవుకు రెండో టన్నెల్ ప్రారంభోత్సవ కార్యక్రమంలో సీఎం శ్రీ వైఎస్ జగన్. https://t.co/zhAZ98scqs pic.twitter.com/9EskZRYznc

— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) November 30, 2023

Addressing Rayalaseema’s Water Woes

Chief Minister Jagan dedicated the Owk tunnel project in Nandyal district on November 30. An integral part of the Galeru Nagari Sujala Sravanthi (GNSS) initiative, this project boasts a discharge capacity of 2 tmc ft per day. It aims to alleviate perennial drought situations in the Rayalaseema region, providing a vital solution to water scarcity.

Originally designed as a single tunnel, the Owk Tunnel-II faced technical hurdles in water discharge to the Owk reservoir. Overcoming challenges, the project evolved into two tunnels. Diversion tunnels, executed in 2017 and 2018, were crucial for supplying water to the Gandikota reservoir, showcasing the government’s adaptability in addressing technical complexities.

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The Chief Minister prioritized achieving the originally contemplated carrying capacity of 20,000 cusecs to divert required water during floods in the Krishna River. Administrative approval for executing the Fault Zone in the right tube (T-II) was granted in 2020, showcasing the government’s commitment to optimizing water resources efficiently.

శ్రీ @ysjagan గారు,మిమ్మల్ని చూసి రాయలసీమతో పాటు రాష్ట్రం మొత్తం గర్వపడుతోంది.మీ హయాంలో అవుకు టన్నెల్-1 & 2 పూర్తి చేసి ఈరోజు మీరు టన్నెల్-2 ను‌ ప్రారంభించి జాతికి అంకితం చేయడం ఒక ఎత్తయితే,మీరు ముఖ్యమంత్రిగా అధికారం చేపట్టాక ప్లాన్ చేసిన 10 వేల క్యూసెక్కుల సామర్థ్యం గల అవుకు… pic.twitter.com/6w5idGqATU

— Dr. K. Srinivasa Varma (@DrKSVarma) November 30, 2023

Revolutionizing Water Infrastructure

As Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy spearheads transformative water infrastructure projects, the completion and dedication of tunnels represent a significant stride towards securing a water-abundant future for Rayalaseema. The visionary initiatives not only address immediate water needs but also lay the foundation for sustainable water management in the region. Rayalaseema, and indeed the entire state, stands proud of this momentous achievement.