AP to be made drought-free

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is spearheading massive plans to make Andhra Pradesh 100% drought-free by ensuring water supply to every acre of land. A significant aspect of the initiative is the completion of the Polavaram project, which is expected to benefit eight districts, including three in North Andhra and the Godavari districts, along with Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam.
However, flood seasons in the state see the Godavari River releasing around 2,000 to 3,000 TMC of water into the sea each year. The Chief Minister’s vision is to divert 280 TMC of this floodwater to irrigate the Krishna Delta, Rayalaseema, and Prakasam and Nellore districts, particularly in drought-prone areas. This, he believes, will significantly reduce water wastage and provide much-needed water to these regions.
Preliminary estimates suggest the project will cost Rs 70,000 to 80,000 crore and will require the acquisition of 54,000 acres of land.
Additionally, around 4,000 megawatts of electricity will be necessary, and significant forest land will need to be cleared. During a recent visit to Delhi, CM Naidu discussed the project with central officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and urged the central government to expedite approvals and the tender process.
The project aims to deliver a range of benefits upon completion. It will provide drinking water to 80 million people, irrigate 7.5 lakh acres of land, and stabilize 22.5 lakh acres of already irrigated land. Industries will also be able to use up to 20 TMC of water, helping to support the state’s economic growth.
To ensure the success of the project, the state government is focusing on diverting Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna River. This water will be carried through the Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal to the Bollapally Reservoir, which will have a capacity of 200 TMC. From there, a 31 km tunnel will divert the water to Banakacharla. Additionally, the capacity of the Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal will be increased from 17,000 cusecs to 28,000-30,000 cusecs, while the Tadipudi Lift Scheme will be upgraded to handle up to 10,000 cusecs.
CM Naidu’s initiative is poised to provide long-term benefits, ensuring reliable water availability even during adverse conditions. The Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal and the Veligonda project in Prakasam district, which has been historically drought-prone, will be key to improving irrigation in these areas. The project will also ensure water supply to Rayalaseema during flood seasons, further solidifying its importance for the state’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Special Chief Secretary of the Irrigation Department, Sai Prasad, Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, Piyush Kumar, and senior officials from the Irrigation Department and the Chief Minister’s Office attended the review meeting held by the Chief Minister at his residence in Undavalli on Sunday.