Amaravati, Apr 15 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to complete Stage-I of the Veligonda project by June-end and prepare a comprehensive plan for optimal utilisation of Godavari waters after the completion of the Polavaram Project.
Reviewing the progress of major irrigation projects at a meeting with Water Resources Department officials, Naidu stressed efficient distribution of water from Polavaram’s right and left main canals to reservoirs and tanks for irrigation and other needs.
The Chief Minister assessed key projects including Veligonda, Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi, Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link, Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme, Varikapudiselu, and North Andhra irrigation initiatives.
He also reviewed groundwater augmentation efforts and programmes such as Jaladhara and Jal Harathi.
He instructed officials to expedite works on North Andhra projects including Tharakarama, Mahendratanaya, Thotapalli Barrage, Maddulavalasa, Janjavathi and Hiramandalam Lift schemes.
Deadlines were set for river interlinking works Vamsadhara–Nagavali by December and Nagavali–Champavathi by July.
With pending issues resolved, the Chief Minister directed that tenders for the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara River in Srikakulam district be floated at the earliest.
Highlighting tourism potential, Naidu proposed developing the Polavaram project into a major destination with hotels, shopping zones, and beautification works. Plans include boating facilities from Polavaram to Papikondalu and Bhadrachalam, along with water, rock, forest and sports-themed attractions.
He asked officials to fast-track works to enable inauguration around the time of the Godavari Pushkarams.
The Chief Minister said Veligonda Stage-I, estimated at ₹2,042 crore, should be completed by June-end.
Officials informed that 52 TMC of Srisailam backwaters have already been diverted to Rayalaseema through the Malyala Lift.
Groundwater availability has reached 625 TMC as of April 1, marking an increase of 12 TMC compared to last year, with statewide groundwater levels improving by 0.79 metres.
Across 5,697 villages, groundwater is now available within 8 metres depth, he noted.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials were present at the review meeting.
TNT KM
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