Naidu Orders Strict Adherence to Irrigation Timelines
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has issued clear directives to state irrigation officials to follow the structural timeline of the state irrigation calendar. Speaking during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasized that all timeline deadlines must be met to ensure agricultural stability and water security for farmers. He pointed out that the strategic implementation of these water projects will protect the farming community against irregular weather patterns.
In a major expansion of the state infrastructure agenda, the Chief Minister ordered the inclusion of 11 additional water projects into the high-priority list. This expansion brings the total number of monitored priority developments from 25 to 36. The Chief Minister made it clear to the Finance Department that funding for both land acquisition and civil construction works must remain continuous and uninterrupted.
Reviewing the massive Polavaram multi-purpose project, authorities informed the Chief Minister that 88 percent of the civil works are complete. Land acquisition stands at 93 percent, while rehabilitation and resettlement efforts have reached 45 percent. The essential twin tunnels connecting the Polavaram Right Canal are reported to be 85 percent complete. The Chief Minister set a firm deadline of April 2027 to resolve all rehabilitation packages for displaced families smoothly.
The government plan also sets clear individual targets for multiple crucial state water projects. Phase 1 of the Veligonda project is ordered for completion by July, with an additional allocation of ₹2,019 crore earmarked for pending canal distribution works. Furthermore, water release from the Purushottapatnam Lift Scheme into the Left Canal is scheduled to begin this July to serve the North Andhra region.
To ensure long-term functionality, the state is introducing a 10-year maintenance model for lift irrigation schemes managed by a single responsible agency. This initiative aims to fully restore the hundreds of lift systems that went defunct over the past five years. Addressing current weather statistics, the Chief Minister noted a minor rainfall deficit but highlighted that state groundwater tables have improved by 0.5 meters compared to last year.
