Naidu for North Andhra soon to fast-track irrigation projects, says Minister Ramanaidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will soon visit the North Andhra districts to review the progress of pending irrigation projects and issue directions to expedite their completion, says Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu.

Speaking after a high-level review meeting with officials and agency representatives on Thursday, Mr. Ramanaidu said the Chief Minister had given top priority to reviving irrigation development in the North Coastal region, which was neglected during the past five years.

He noted that not a single rupee had been spent on irrigation projects in North Andhra during the previous YSRCP government, which stalled all works initiated between 2014 and 2019 under the TDP regime, including the flagship Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi programme.

“After the coalition government came to power, Mr. Naidu directed officials to complete all major projects within the next two years with an outlay of over ₹2,000 crore,” he said.

An action plan was being prepared to fast-track nine priority projects, including BRR Vamsadhara, Thotapalli, Vamsadhara–Nagavali Link, Janjavathi Reservoir, Hiramandalam Lift, Nagavali–Champavathi, Mahendra Tanaya, Tarakarama Teerthasagar, and Madduvalasa Reservoir, he said.

“These projects have been identified as high-priority schemes,” he said, adding, “Along with the main works, the government is also focusing on R&R and other pending components.”

Once completed, these projects were expected to bring an additional 1.24 lakh acres under new ayacut (irrigated area) and stabilise another 2.48 lakh acres. “By ensuring maximum irrigation with minimal expenditure, we aim to benefit drought-prone areas and secure agricultural growth in North Andhra,” he stated.

Mr. Ramanaidu emphasised that the coalition government was committed to repaying the long-standing debt owed to the people of North Andhra. “While the previous government pushed the irrigation sector into decline, we are determined to restore it and ensure water reaches every last acre,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Water Resources Department Adviser M. Venkateswara Rao, Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, senior officials, and representatives of implementing agencies.