Sangam Barrage, Sangam

The Sangam Barrage, also known as Sangam Anicut, was constructed across the Penna River between 1882 and 1886, primarily aimed at supplying water to the canals of Nellore, Kanupur, Kavali, and Kanigiri. This barrage serves as the principal irrigation source for approximately 3.85 lakh acres of agricultural land. Each year, the water level is raised by 0.90 meters to meet the increasing demand of the Kanupur and Kavali canals.

For many years, the practice of placing sandbags on the barrage has led to the wastage of significant government funds annually. This prompted the need for a major reconstruction, which has been ongoing for nearly eight years. Originally slated for completion by October 2017, the project faced multiple delays, and the deadline was pushed to March 2019.

By January 2021, government officials reported that the major civil works of the barrage had been completed, with construction proceeding swiftly. The project was expected to conclude by March 2021, with an inauguration planned for April of that year. However, on 8 March 2022, Chief Minister of AP expressed confidence that the remaining work would be finished within two weeks, addressing concerns regarding the delayed progress. He also announced that the barrage would be renamed in honor of the late Mekapati Goutham Reddy, former minister of Andhra Pradesh.

The Sangam Anicut was built across the Penna River between 1882 and 1886 with the objective of supplying water to several irrigation channels. On the right side, it feeds the Nellore Tank Supply Channel and the Kanupur Canal, while on the left side, it supplies water to the Duvvur Canal, Kanigiri Main Canal, and Kavali Canal. This anicut serves as a crucial source of irrigation for approximately 3.85 lakh acres of land. The following outlines the details of the ayacut (irrigated area) that receives water from the Somasila Reservoir.