Andhra Pradesh optimises water, ensures supply to parched Rayalaseema

In line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s directives, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has implemented a strategic action plan to optimise water utilisation across Andhra Pradesh. The plan focuses on storing water in reservoirs and systematically releasing it to downstream tanks and agricultural fields, resulting in notable outcomes, including the diversion of floodwaters to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region and improved water use efficiency in the Krishna and Godavari deltas.

The WRD’s efforts have yielded measurable results, demonstrating effective management of the State’s water resources. Since June 1, farmers in the Krishna delta have utilised 52 tmcft of water—12 tmcft more than last year. Additionally, 70 tmcft was released for irrigation in the Godavari delta.

A total of 150 tmcft was successfully diverted to the parched Rayalaseema region through key canals and projects such as Pothireddypadu, Handri-Neeva, and Nagarjuna Sagar, irrigating approximately one lakh acres. The widening of the Handri-Neeva canals has enabled Krishna river water to reach tail-end areas of the Chittoor district, including the Kuppam branch canal.

As of August 24, major reservoirs across the state have cumulatively stored 650 tmcft, including 15 tmcft in Veligodu, 56 tmcft in Somasila, 31 tmcft in Kandaleru, and 8 tmcft in the Vamsadhara basin. Despite these successful management efforts, 1,969 tmcft of water flowed into the sea—comprising 1,483 tmcft from the Godavari and 468 tmcft from the Krishna river.