A number of irrigation projects, developmental activities and educational programmes are under way in the district.

In phase I of the Vamsadhara project, the construction of the left main canal and the release of water from the Gotta barrage helped irrigate some 25,000 hectares.

Visakhapatnam, Dec. 16: Two environmental organisations said the proposed thermal projects coming up in the state would cause serious environmental hazard to the coastline in the state affecting the air, ground and the sea.

Hyderabad, Oct. 20: People of the state are still unable to get iodised cooking salt of proper standards that helps fight goitre, retardation in children and reproductive failure in females. Health experts are sad that even on Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, which falls on October 21, no thought is being given to this health need of the populace.

Srikakulam/Nizamabad/ Kurnool, Sept. 16: Officials are on high alert following the surge of flood waters in Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers because of heavy rains in neighbouring Orissa. There are fears that that it would cause another flood in the town. Around 60,000 cusecs of water had reached the Gotta Barrage by evening and 22 gates have been lifted.

Rajahmundry, Sept. 15: Environmentalists are up in arms against authorities from the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (APIDC) for giving clearance to set up industrial units in ecologically sensitive areas, violating environmental norms.

Kakinada, Sept. 10: There has been a sharp decline in the number of sea turtles in the coastal areas and there are fears that proposed coastal corridor may drive them to extinction. As such, the rapid industrialisation along the coast, poaching and consumption of eggs and meat are posing a huge threat to the sea turtles, including the rare Olive Ridley species. A large number of turtles also die after being trapped in the nets of fishing trawlers and big mechanised boats.

Hyderabad, Sept. 8: The state Cabinet on Monday cleared two thermal power projects in Srikakulam and okayed the extension of exclusive rights of the Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) on the northern side of the proposed Vanpic port in Vadarevu in Prakasam district.

The East Coast Energy Company

Visakhapatnam, Sept. 7: An expert study has revealed that groundwater in the coastal areas of the state is slowly turning salty. Unless urgent remedial action is taken, the farmers of the area would face crop failure and attendant financial crisis. The hydro geochemistry study was conducted by a group from the environmental science department of the Gitam University.

This paper deals with two mangrove habitats reported for the first time from the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh. Four mangrove associates and two Seagrasses are reported here for the first time from these habitats. These species form additions to the flora of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh.

Hyderabad, July 23: It will be a double bonanza for farmers and their children. While irrigation projects under the Jalayagnam banner will help the farmers to draw water, the state tourism department's initiative to develop tourism centres at the irrigation project sites will help the wards of the farmers earn a livelihood.

All the irrigation projects would be developed as regional centres of tourist attraction by creating modern entertainment amenities. Of 72 irrigation projects that are under construction in different districts, 34 projects have been identified as tourism centres.

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