PNS|Uravakonda
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday announced that water will be released through the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project on July 10. He stated that Rs 3,873 crore is being spent on canal lining and widening works across 554 km under Phases I and II of the project.
Blaming the previous regime for stalling the works for five years, the CM said the NDA government had not only resumed the works but also fast-tracked them. “Once the Polavaram–Banakacharla link is completed, drought will become a thing of the past in Rayalaseema and every acre in the state will be irrigated,” he declared.
Recalling the journey of the Handri-Neeva project, the CM said, “I laid the foundation stone for this project on March 11, 1996, in the Uravakonda constituency. It was a dream project of our revered leader N.T. Rama Rao, who envisioned it during a time when Rayalaseema was parched and struggling. Despite limited allocation of surplus Krishna waters, NTR launched projects like Handri-Neeva, Galeru, Nagari and Telugu Ganga to rejuvenate the region.”
He reminisced about the difficulties faced by Rayalaseema’s farmers, who could barely manage two crops in ten years, mostly groundnuts. “I provided compensation for crop losses and remember transporting fodder from the coastal districts to save livestock during droughts.
People called this region a land of stones. I promised to turn it into a land of jewels—and today, the people have reposed their faith in the NDA once again.”
Stressing that water is the foundation of development, Naidu said, “The moment I promised canal widening, I issued a G.O. within the hour.” Referring to his first term post-2014, he noted that Rayalaseema projects were prioritised. “When Kia Motors asked where water would come from, we completed the Gollapalli project within six months and brought the company to this drought-prone belt.”
He questioned the contribution of the previous government. “In five years, did they spend even a rupee? Did they build even one road or clear a single canal?”
The CM highlighted that between 2014 and 2019, Rs 70,000 crore was spent on irrigation statewide, with Rs 12,441 crore for Rayalaseema and Rs 4,200 crore for Handri-Neeva alone. “Canal width has increased from 10m to 16.5m. We are preparing to bring in 40 TMC of water. Packages 23 to 34 are complete. Gollapalli, Madakasira, Cherlopalli and Jeedipalli works are finished. Today, 512 agencies and 1,040 machines are engaged in the Handri-Neeva works.”
He said that areas like Puttaparthi, which once faced severe water scarcity, now see visible improvement. “This project runs 770 km from Srisailam to Kuppam—Asia’s longest.”
The CM said Phase I will irrigate 1.98 lakh acres—77,094 acres in Kurnool, 2,906 acres in Nandyal and 1.18 lakh acres in Anantapur. Phase II will cover 4.04 lakh acres, including 1.93 lakh in Sri Sathya Sai district, 1.4 lakh in Chittoor, and the rest in Kadapa and Anantapur.
He noted that Israel pioneered micro-irrigation, but Andhra Pradesh was the first to implement it on a large scale in India with a 90% subsidy. “In the last five years, support for drip irrigation dried up. If we can divert just 300 TMC of the 2,000 TMC of Godavari water currently going waste into the sea, we can green the entire state. We need Rs 81,000 crore for the Polavaram–Banakacharla link. With resolve, we can achieve it. This mission is the purpose of my life.”
The CM said welfare schemes are reaching all eligible citizens. “Over 63 lakh people receive pensions, with Rs 33,000 crore allocated. Under the Deepam scheme, we’re ensuring every household gets a house, tap water, toilet, electricity, and LPG connection.”
More than 200 Anna canteens are operational. Under Deepam 2, three gas cylinders are being given free annually. “Rs 20,000 is being given to fishermen, and 16,000 teacher posts are being filled. Under Annadata Sukhibhava, farmers are getting Rs 20,000 annually in three phases. Talli ki Vandhanam gives Rs 15,000 per child. We’re also leveraging WhatsApp Governance to deliver services efficiently.”
He assured strict action against crimes against women and announced the upcoming launch of digital health cards. “The potholes on roads symbolised the failure of the previous regime. The NDA has filled them across the state.”
Uravakonda to witness rapid development
Naidu said a textile park is being planned for Uravakonda. Funds will be released for a bridge near Gottipadu and the Kotthalapalli lift irrigation scheme will be approved. “Compensation will be paid immediately to displaced families in Jeedipalli. We will revive the 40,000-acre micro-irrigation project.”
Works at Ramasagaram bridge, Bhairavari Tippa, Peruru and other locations will be completed on priority. “We will extend full support to the development of Chayapuram village.”
The CM said he is committed to decentralised development and eradicating poverty. “I rose step by step by making the most of opportunities. Leaders like NTR, Modi, Ambedkar, Kalam, and Gandhi came from humble beginnings. Ambedkar studied law in London with the help of the Baroda king. Kalam rose with the support of an Iyengar teacher. The top 10% must uplift the bottom 20%.”
He said the state aims to eliminate poverty by 2029. “We launched the P4 initiative on Ugadi. By August 15, we’ll prepare a roadmap to support 20 lakh families. I urge every citizen to take part in this mission.”
