The CM reaffirmed that the Polavaram project should be completed by June 2027 and, under no circumstances, should it extend beyond December 2027.

metro india news  I amaravati

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that all irrigation projects progress as per their respective timelines, with no room for delays. He emphasized that the previous government had neglected the irrigation sector, causing severe setbacks, and stressed the need for rapid progress to provide water for farmers.

During a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat on ongoing and upcoming irrigation projects, the Chief Minister warned that both officials and contractors would be held accountable if project deadlines were not met. He stated that any delays in projects that have all necessary approvals and funding would not be tolerated.

Officials presented a detailed progress report on the Polavaram project, revealing that out of the 1,379 meters of diaphragm wall construction, only 35 meters have been completed since work resumed last month. The CM instructed them to expedite the process and ensure that every month’s target is met without fail.

Naidu also emphasized that the Polavaram left canal connectivity work must be accelerated. He insisted that the canal’s water-carrying capacity should align with the original design of 17,500 cusecs. The CM reaffirmed that the Polavaram project should be completed by June 2027 and, under no circumstances, should it extend beyond December 2027. He also linked the completion of Polavaram’s left canal to the launch of the Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanthi project, which would facilitate the diversion of Godavari water to North Andhra districts.

Expressing disappointment over the prolonged delays in the Veligonda project, CM Naidu recalled that he had personally laid its foundation stone during the united Andhra Pradesh era. He pointed out that his administration had prioritized the project between 2014-2019, but the subsequent government mismanaged it and falsely inaugurated an incomplete project, causing hardship to the local population. 

He ordered officials to prioritize Veligonda’s completion and ensure transparency about the previous administration’s mishandling of the project. The CM also announced that he would personally visit the site soon to oversee progress and accelerate pending work.

CM Naidu also stressed the need to fast-track the Polavaram-Banacharla linkage project, which aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into a drought-free state. He instructed officials to work on establishing the Polavaram-Banacharla Corporation and explore funding options, including discussions with the central government.

Additionally, the CM suggested outsourcing the operation and management of irrigation canals to private entities for better efficiency. He also reviewed steps to revive over 1,000 small lift irrigation projects under the Irrigation Development Corporation.

Highlighting the importance of groundwater recharge, Naidu stressed the need to ensure water availability at depths of 3 to 9 meters. He recalled his past efforts to improve groundwater levels and called for multi-departmental coordination in this initiative.

A special committee comprising ministers from Panchayati Raj, Forest, Irrigation, Agriculture, and Municipal Administration will be formed to develop an action plan for groundwater improvement and afforestation. The committee will conduct studies and submit recommendations to enhance water conservation efforts across the state.

The review meeting, attended by Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu and senior irrigation officials, concluded with CM Naidu reaffirming his commitment to fast-tracking irrigation projects and ensuring timely water supply for farmers. He reiterated that the government would hold all stakeholders accountable and ensure that Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation infrastructure is developed efficiently.