Telugu Thalli ki Jalaharati': AP CM Chandrababu Naidu Announces Name of Major Irrigation Project

In a significant announcement, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu revealed the name of the much-anticipated Godavari-Banakacharla irrigation project as ‘Telugu Thalli ki Jalaharati.’ Speaking at a press conference, he elaborated on the project's vision and its transformative potential for the state.

The Chief Minister emphasized that providing water to Rayalaseema could turn the region into a “land of treasures.” He noted that Rayalaseema, along with districts like Prakasam and Nellore, frequently faces drought conditions. Chandrababu highlighted that due to water usage by upstream states in the Krishna River basin, adequate water is not available downstream. In contrast, the Godavari River offers a more reliable water supply, which is key to this ambitious project.
Key Objectives of the Project

Chandrababu Naidu stated that interlinking rivers would ensure water availability for every acre of agricultural land in the state, alleviating water scarcity. The plan includes diverting at least 300 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the Godavari River to the Krishna River. From there, water would flow to Krishna's western and eastern deltas, and finally to Banakacharla.

This large-scale initiative comprises three phases, with the Velugonda ayacut also being integrated into the coverage area. Notably, water will be transferred through the Nagarjuna Sagar right canal, Bollapalli project, and the Velugonda reservoir, ultimately reaching Banakacharla via a tunnel carved partially through the Nallamala forest.
Statewide Benefits

The project aims to link several districts, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Nellore, Kadapa, and Anantapur. Additional ayacut regions will also benefit from the project, which is expected to be a game-changer for Andhra Pradesh.

Chandrababu explained the symbolic significance behind the project’s name, ‘Telugu Thalli ki Jalaharati,’ translating to an offering of water to the motherland. He described it as a way to repay the debt to the state’s “mother” and added that a detailed report on the project has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for further approval.