State government has given adm-inistrative sanction for taking up modernisation works of the Tungabhadra high level main canal (HLC). A notification issuing work orders has reached the HLC superintending engineer (SE) office recently. The superintendent engineer, Mr Somireddy, has written to the contracting agencies to complete agreement signing by May 15. The HLC modernisation works will commence in January 2009 immediately after water supply from the Tungabhadra dam is stopped. Works in the current year cannot be taken up as Tungabhadra Board which usually releases water to the HLC canal by July 15 is likely to advance the same in view of water availability in the dam to the extent of 14 tmc ft of water. HLC authorities requested the Tungabhadra Board to advance the release of water. Keeping in view the short time available and the early water release by the Board, HLC modernisation works cannot be taken up in the ongoing year. The HLC canal in our state is from 105 km to 189 km and costs Rs 463.5 crore for modernisation. The works have been divided into six packages scheduled for completion in 51 months. As part of the modernisation works, the HLC main canal will be integrated with the Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir and the link canal and distributory systems will be expanded including executing lining works. The HLC modernisation will boost the flowing capacity from 2,600 cusecs to 4,200 cusecs and also facilitates diversion of 42.5 tmc ft of water into the reservoir.