Polavaram–Nallamala link won’t cause any harm, will benefit both Andhra and Telangana: CM Naidu

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday clarified that linking the Polavaram project with Nallamala Sagar would not cause any loss to any region, asserting that only surplus Godavari waters currently flowing into the sea would be utilised.

Benefit for both Telugu States

He said the proposed linkage would benefit both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through the optimal use of available water resources.

Speaking during the discussion on budget allocations for the irrigation sector in the Assembly, the Chief Minister reiterated that the coalition government is firmly committed to ensuring water security for all regions of Andhra Pradesh.

Blueprint for the completion of projects soon

CM Naidu announced that the government will soon prepare a comprehensive blueprint for the completion of ongoing and pending irrigation projects.

He said water security is vital not only for agriculture but also for attracting investments and promoting industrial development in the State.

River linking from Vamsadhara to Penna

Emphasising balanced regional development, the Chief Minister stressed the need for interlinking rivers from Vamsadhara in north coastal Andhra to Penna in the south. He said necessary plans are being prepared to ensure an equitable water supply across all regions.

He reiterated that the government’s goal is to supply water to every acre in the State.

Rs 20,000 crore spent on irrigation

The Chief Minister said Rs 20,000 crore had been spent on the irrigation sector over the past 20 months. As a result, water was supplied to the Paramasamudram tank in Kuppam through the Handri Neeva canal.

He noted that key irrigation projects such as Telugu Ganga, Galeru-Nagari, and Handri Neeva were initiated during earlier TDP regimes, originally launched under former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao to benefit Rayalaseema.

Through the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, 100 TMC of water was supplied to Rayalaseema, he added.

Focus on major projects

CM Naidu assured that the Veligonda project would be completed to benefit the Markapuram and Prakasam districts. The Polavaram project, he said, would be completed before the next Godavari Pushkaram.

He also said the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme would be completed to provide water to the upland areas of Krishna and Eluru districts.

Reservoir storage and groundwater improvement

Stating that 793 TMC of water is currently available in various reservoirs, the Chief Minister said the government is preparing to supply water for paddy transplantation from May 15.

He added that Andhra Pradesh ranks first in the country in micro-irrigation coverage. Due to measures taken to strengthen water security, groundwater levels have improved and are available at an average depth of 7.3 metres, resulting in power savings of Rs 91 crore.

CM Naidu also clarified that he had never objected to the Kaleshwaram project and reiterated that the coalition government remains committed to equitable water distribution across the State.