Another Major Project in Andhra Pradesh: Chandrababu Reviews Irrigation Plans

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted a review meeting on the irrigation sector at his residence in Undavalli on Sunday. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to implement large-scale plans to provide water to every acre of agricultural land and make the state 100% drought-free. Highlighting the benefits of completing the Polavaram project, Chandrababu stated that it would positively impact eight combined districts, including the three from North Andhra, the twin Godavari districts, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam districts.

Chandrababu pointed out that an average of 2,000–3,000 TMC of water from the Godavari River flows wastefully into the sea every year during floods. By utilizing 280 TMC of this water, the state plans to benefit Krishna Delta, four joint districts of Rayalaseema, and parts of Prakasam and Nellore districts. He asserted that transferring Godavari water to Banakacharla would be a key strategy to eliminate drought in the state.

Project Details

The ambitious new project aims to significantly benefit farmers, residents, and industries. Once completed, it is expected to provide drinking water to 8 million people and irrigation for an additional 7.5 lakh acres, stabilizing another 22.5 lakh acres of agricultural land. Additionally, industries will have access to approximately 20 TMC of water.

Multiple proposals have been prepared for this project. It involves transferring water from the Godavari River to the Krishna River and from there to the Bollapalli Reservoir through the Nagarjuna Sagar right canal. The Bollapalli Reservoir will have a capacity of 200 TMC. Water will then be diverted to the Banakacharla Head Regulator via a 31-kilometer tunnel. From Banakacharla, water will be distributed to Telugu Ganga, SRBC, and Nippulavagu, with further transfers to Somasila and Kandaleru through Nippulavagu. The project will ensure water reaches various existing projects through lift and canal systems.
Central Assistance Sought

Given the state’s current financial constraints, undertaking this project poses significant challenges. However, Chandrababu considers the project a potential game-changer for Andhra Pradesh. Preliminary estimates suggest the project will require ₹70,000 crore to ₹80,000 crore, with 54,000 acres of land acquisition and approximately 4,000 MW of electricity. Additionally, significant forest land must also be acquired.

Acknowledging the immense costs, Chandrababu has approached the central government for support. During a recent visit to Delhi, he discussed the project with Union leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizing its importance and seeking financial aid to expedite its completion.