Andhra Pradesh government today renamed the Thotapalli Reservoir as Sardar Gouthu Lacchanna Thotapalli Barrage Project (SGLTP). It’s really an honor for the great leader who stood for the cause of farmers and weaker sections. Lachanna (August 16,1909- April 19,2006)was an embodiment of honesty, social values and commitment to cause of the people. A freedom fighter, Lachanna was arrested when he was 21 for participating in the Salt Satyagraha at Palasa. He also participated in the quit India movement. He was member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for 35 years from Sompeta constituency between 1948–83 and once member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. Latchanna had won both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from Srikakulam district in 1967. But he resigned his Lok Sabha membership to facilitate the election of his political mentor N.G. Ranga. He was first elected to Assembly in 1948 from Vizag on labour ticket and served as Minister for Agriculture and Labour. He left Congress party in 1951 and was arrested during emergency in 1975 imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi. He joined Lok Dal party and JanataDal party led Charan Singh and VP Singh.

Thotapalli reservoir has been constructed across Nagavali river to provide irrigation to areas in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. Started in 2003 the project got delay inordinately and is now in the final stages completion.