K. Sriramakrishnaiah
Kuditipudi Sriramakrishnaiah (కుడితిపూడి శ్రీరామకృష్ణయ్య) is an eminent irrigation engineer who had been actively associated in most of the irrigation projects of Andhra Pradesh for 34 years before retirement from the state government service in the year 1983. He is born on 3rd March, 1926 in the village Betapudi near Repalle in Guntur district. He is known as a person of kind hearted, simplicity, friendly and sharp grasping.
Services
In recognition of his excellent capabilities, he was later appointed as “Officer on special duty ” during the period 1984 to 1990, for executing the Telugu Ganga project which he had accomplished gaining the appreciations of the state people as well as professional peers. He also served as ‘Adviser on irrigation projects’ to government of Andhra Pradesh (1989), environmental appraisal committee member (1990 – 92) of Government of India, ‘Krishna, Godavari and Penna delta’s drainage board’ chairman (1995 – 97) and state planning commission member (1997 – till his death). During the nineties till his death on 20th March, 2002, he devoted most of the time in advising his peers and educating the people on the irrigation and drinking water projects. During seventies, he actively participated in the activities of Krishna and Godavari river water disputes tribunals representing the state of Andhra Pradesh. He authored many essays in both Telugu and English and the following books in English
- The story of Penna basin
- Drought – Rayalaseema
- Exploitation of ground water in Rayalaseema
- Comprehensive master plan for drainage in coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh,
- Utilization of Godavari water by lift
- Irrigation in ancient India.
Recognition
In recognition of his services, he was honored with ‘National hydrology award’ in 1987 by National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee and ‘Honorary Doctorate’ in 1989 by Sri Venkateswara University. After his death in the year 2002, the Penna Ahobilam balancing reservoir is renamed in memory of him as ‘Sriramakrishnaiah Penna Ahobilam balancing reservoir’ by the government. His statues were established as sign of respect in Anantapur city in the year 2005 and on the banks of Brahmamgari Matam reservoir in Kadapa district in the year 2007.
Memorial Trust
To further his excellent pursuits, Dr. K. Sriramakrishnaiah Memorial Service Trust (డా.కె.శ్రీరామకృష్ణయ్య స్మారక సేవా సమితి - DKSSSS) was formed in the year 2002 by his admirers and followers from farmers, agriculture scientists and irrigation engineers. DKSSSS has been conducting educational and awareness enhancement programs every year and publishing many Telugu books on irrigation topics. His birthday (3rd March) is celebrated every year as Irrigation Day in Andhra Pradesh.
See also
- Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal
- Bharat Ratna. Vishveshwaraiah
- Dr. K.L. Rao
- Sir Arthur Cotton
- Engineer's Day
References
- Jala bharatam (collection of eassays) [జలభారతం (వ్యాస సంపుటి)] by DKSSSS President Sri Cherukuri Veeraiah in the year 2009.