Naidu's Water Vision: Rayalaseema Set for Irrigation Boom

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has pledged to complete all pending irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, unveiling a comprehensive blueprint for the region’s development. During a visit to the Srisailam project, he performed Jala Harathi to the Krishna River and ceremonially released water from the dam, which has now reached full capacity.

He assured that water will be supplied to the Jeedipalli reservoir by July 15 and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing the Polavaram project by 2027. Naidu also announced plans to strengthen horticulture, millet, and fruit cultivation, with a 90% subsidy on drip irrigation systems to support farmers.

Key infrastructure initiatives include industrial parks at Kopparti and Orvakal, and new renewable energy projects. A central focus will be the interlinking of major rivers and the completion of crucial irrigation projects like Telugu Ganga, K-C Canal, and SRSP, aimed at boosting water storage capacity from 554 TMC to 1,004 TMC.

Highlighting past investments, the CM noted that while ₹68,000 crore was spent on irrigation between 2014 and 2019, the previous government allocated only ₹2,000 crore during its tenure. Under the current administration, ₹3,390 crore has already been invested in the Handri-Neeva project alone.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.