Water Release to Jeedipalli via Handri–Neeva Main Canal on July 15
Completion of Phase‑2 Works by July 31 to Supply Krishna Water to Punganur and Kuppam Branch Canals
Contractors Directed to Meet Project Targets
Commence Works to Supply Water to Kadapa through Galeru–Nagari: CM Chandrababu Naidu
Polavaram Left Canal Works to be Completed by Month-End
Veligonda Project to be Completed by June 2026
Top Priority for Uttarandhra Irrigation Projects
Encouraging Water Inflows this Year, Every Drop to Be Optimally Utilised through Efficient Water Management
Water Audit to Assess Availability vs. Needs
CM Chandrababu Naidu Reviews Irrigation Department’s Progress
Amaravati, July 5:
The Government of Andhra Pradesh’s continuous efforts over the past year to ensure irrigation water for Rayalaseema are now yielding significant results. The government has sanctioned ₹3,890 crore for works under the Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Project and initiated their execution. CM Chandrababu Naidu has been closely monitoring the progress through regular reviews.
From July 15, 3,850 cusecs of water will be released into the Jeedipalli Reservoir under Phase‑1 of the Handri–Neeva Project. The Chief Minister instructed officials to complete final preparations a few days in advance to ensure timely water release. Water from Jeedipalli will then be used to fill the Gollapalli, Marala, and Cherlopalli reservoirs.
Additionally, water will be released via the Phase‑2 canal to the Punganur and Kuppam branch canals by July 31. With the completion of the canal extension and lining works, several areas in Rayalaseema will receive irrigation water for the first time. Water from Jeedipalli will also be routed to the Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir over 15 days starting July 15.
CM Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to use the full 3,850 cusecs of water released through the Handri–Neeva canals to fill all reservoirs and tanks in Rayalaseema.
During a review meeting at CM’s camp office on Saturday, CM Chandrababu Naidu assessed the progress of major irrigation projects including Handri–Neeva, Polavaram Left Canal, and projects in Uttarandhra, as well as current reservoir levels and water management strategies.
Optimal Use of Every Drop through Efficient Water Management
CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that every drop of water must be used wisely. He directed departments and officials to implement a comprehensive and coordinated plan for efficient water management, with particular attention to groundwater recharge. He suggested involving both the Irrigation and Panchayat Raj Departments in these efforts.
Encouraging Inflows this Monsoon
Officials briefed CM Chandrababu Naidu that all districts except Kadapa have received normal rainfall so far, and forecasts for the coming days are optimistic. As of now, the state’s reservoirs hold 419 TMC of water — a significant increase from the 182 TMC stored at the same time last year, representing a gain of 236 TMC.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to fully utilize upcoming inflows, especially through the Handri–Neeva and Pothireddypadu systems, to fill all reservoirs across Rayalaseema. He noted that major projects in the Penna basin — including Somasila and Kandaleru — are well‑positioned to store water, and irrigation should be prioritized for ayacut farmers before filling the reservoirs.
He also ordered the immediate initiation of Galeru–Nagari canal works to supply water to Kadapa and called for tenders to be issued without delay for Phase‑2 of the Handri–Neeva canal to supply water to the southernmost parts of Chittoor district.
Polavaram Left Canal by Month-End, Veligonda by June 2026
CM Chandrababu Naidu directed that the critical Veligonda Project in Prakasam district be completed by June 2026, ensuring necessary funding will be allocated. He also instructed that works on the Polavaram Left Canal be expedited and completed by July 31. All seven packages needed to carry water up to Anakapalli must be completed without exception.
Focus on Uttarandhra Projects
CM Chandrababu Naidu called for fast‑tracking the completion of Uttarandhra irrigation projects. He directed that the Tarakarama Teertha Project be completed within a year and that pending works on the Thotapalli distributaries be finalized. All outstanding works in the Vamsadhara–Nagavali linkage project must be completed, and the Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi initiative should be integrated with these systems.
Comprehensive Water Auditing
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for accurate water auditing — accounting for rainfall, river inflows, groundwater levels, and requirements for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use. The water audit will be carried out by Vassar Labs to ensure efficient planning and resource utilization.
He instructed that non-functional piezometers, water‑level sensors, and rain gauge stations be made operational, approving necessary funding for the same. The Irrigation Department was tasked with maintaining groundwater levels between 3 and 8 meters across the state.
He called for Chief Engineers to expand their roles beyond project implementation to also support groundwater recharge in their jurisdictions. Measures such as desilting tanks, filling reservoirs, and constructing check dams were highlighted as key strategies.
CM Chandrababu Naidu concluded that if water is managed properly, drought can be effectively mitigated. The review meeting was attended via video conference by Minister Ramanaidu, irrigation department officials, and representatives from various contracting agencies.
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