Rayalaseema to Get ₹3,200 Cr Water Boost

Rayalaseema’s Water Woes May Soon End as AP Cabinet Approves Mega Irrigation Plan

In a landmark move, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has sanctioned ₹3,200 crore for a comprehensive irrigation upgrade in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region. This initiative aims to interlink the Penna and Krishna rivers, ensuring year-round water access for agriculture and drinking needs across Kadapa, Kurnool, and Chittoor districts.

The decision comes as part of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s broader vision to transform Rayalaseema into a fertile, self-reliant zone. The project will focus on canal expansion, reservoir strengthening, and smart water routing to maximize coverage without disturbing ecological zones.

Key Highlights:

• ₹3,200 crore allocated for Phase-1 execution.
• Penna-Krishna interlinking to stabilize water supply.
• Targeting 7.5 lakh acres across Rayalaseema.
• Emphasis on gravity-based canals and minimal lift irrigation.
• Tunnel construction planned through Nallamala forest with eco safeguards.

Officials confirmed that tenders will be floated in October, with groundwork expected to begin by December. The Bollapalli reservoir in Palnadu will serve as a key node, channeling water to Banakacharla in Kurnool via a 118-km canal, including a 27-km underground tunnel.

Why It Matters: Rayalaseema has long suffered from erratic rainfall and depleted groundwater. This project promises to reverse decades of agrarian distress, enabling multi-crop farming and reducing migration. Farmers in Rayachoti, Proddatur, and Punganur have welcomed the move, calling it a “lifeline for generations.”

Government’s Vision: The CM emphasized that this is not just an irrigation plan but a socio-economic revival. With parallel investments in drone tech hubs at Orvakal and industrial corridors in Kadapa, the region is poised for a holistic uplift.

Challenges Ahead:

• Forest clearances for tunnel work.
• Land acquisition across 48,000 acres.
• Coordination with Centre for funding and approvals.

Public Sentiment: Local leaders and farmers’ unions have expressed cautious optimism. While the budget is promising, they urge transparency in execution and timely delivery.

Conclusion: This irrigation upgrade marks a turning point for Rayalaseema. If executed as planned, it could redefine the region’s future—ushering in prosperity, stability, and agricultural resilience.