Amaravati, Feb 26 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said the State government will soon prepare a comprehensive blueprint for the completion of irrigation projects, reaffirming the coalition government’s commitment to ensuring water supply to all regions.
Speaking during the Assembly session on budget allocations to the irrigation sector, Naidu said water security remains a key priority as it plays a crucial role in attracting investments and industries.
He stressed the need for interlinking rivers from Vamsadhara to Penna to ensure equitable water distribution across the State and said necessary plans are being prepared.
Naidu stated that ₹20,000 crore has been spent on the irrigation sector over the past 20 months, resulting in water being supplied to the Paramasamudram tank in Kuppam through the Handri Neeva canal.
He noted that major irrigation projects such as Telugu Ganga, Galeru-Nagari, and Handri Neeva were launched during the tenure of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao to benefit Rayalaseema.
He added that the Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme helped supply about 100 TMC of water to the region.
The Chief Minister assured that the Veligonda project would be completed to benefit Markapuram and Prakasam districts.
He also said the Polavaram project would be completed before the next Godavari Pushkaram, while the Chintalapudi lift irrigation scheme would ensure water supply to upland areas in Krishna and Eluru districts.
Naidu said reservoirs across the State currently hold 793 TMC of water and the government is making efforts to provide irrigation water for paddy transplantation from May 15.
He noted that Andhra Pradesh ranks first in the country in micro-irrigation coverage.
Highlighting the impact of water security measures, he said groundwater levels have improved to 7.3 metres, resulting in power savings of about ₹91 crore.
He added that linking Polavaram with the proposed Nallamala Sagar would utilize surplus Godavari water flowing into the sea and benefit both Telugu States, while clarifying that he had never opposed the Kaleshwaram project.
The Chief Minister said efforts are underway to ensure irrigation water reaches every acre in Andhra Pradesh.
TNT TS
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