08-07-2025
Will complete all pending irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, says Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said his government will complete the irrigation projects in Rayalaseema and that he has chalked out a blueprint for the development of the region.
Mr. Naidu on Tuesday offered Jala Harathi to the Krishna river at the Srisailam project and lifted four gates of the project in the presence of Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, and N.M.D. Farooq, Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari, and Collector Rajakumari Gania.
Earlier, he offered prayers at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, Srisailam.
Later, addressing the water users association at Sundipenta, Mr. Naidu said he was elated over the Srisailam project reaching its full capacity in July itself. 'I offered prayers at the Srisailam temple and prayed to the presiding deities of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba for the prosperity of the State and also to develop Rayalaseema as `Ratanala Seema.' We are going ahead with a resolve to develop the region as a Ratanala Seema,' he said.
Mr. Naidu said the NDA government during 2014-19 had prioritised irrigation sector and spent ₹68,000 crore on construction of projects. 'The previous government, however, spent just ₹2,000 crore on the sector. After coming back to power, we have prioritised irrigation sector again and spent ₹3,390 crore on Handri-Neeva alone. We will also provide water to Jeedipalli reservoir on July 15,' he said.
Asserting that the Polavaram project will be completed by 2027, the Chief Minister said the Rayalaseema region is getting water because of the Polavaram right canal only. 'I have a blueprint for the development of Rayalaseema. We will complete the irrigation projects in the region and make it a horticulture hub. The region is conducive to cultivating millets and also fruits. We are encouraging drip irrigation in the region by giving 90% subsidy,' Mr Naidu said.
Industrial parks
On the industrial front, Mr. Naidu said industrial parks are being set up at Kopparti and Orvakal and several industries are coming to Rayalaseema. 'Solar and wind energy plants are also coming n the region. Rayalaseema has good tourism spots. Ancient and historic temples like Tirupati, Srisailam, Vontimetta, Kanipakam, Ahobilam and others are our biggest assets,' he said.
Terming irrigation projects as modern temples, Mr. Naidu said projects like the Srisailam, Gollapalli, Bairavanitippa, and PABR keep the soil fertile and contribute to development.
Linking of rivers
Mr. Naidu stated that his government would prioritise completion of pending projects and will inter-link rivers. 'We will link Vamsadhara and Polavaram and also Polavaram and Banakacherla which will ensure that there is no drought even if the Krishna basin does not receive good rains. We will complete all the pending projects under Telugu Ganga, K-C Canal, SRSP, Nagari-Galeru and Handri-Neeva. The State has the potential to store 1,004 tmc water but the present projects in the State have capacity to store only 554 tmc,' he said.
