Strictly follow Irrigation calendar, Chief Minister directs officials
Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to follow Irrigation calendar for timely completion of projects. It may be noted that the Chief Minister unveiled an irrigation calendar covering 25 irrigation projects during recent Collectors' Conference.
Rewing on irrigation projects at Secretariat today the Chief Minister instructed officials to include 11 additional priority irrigation projects in the calendar apart from the projects already announced. He said that there should be no negligence in implementing these works and directed Finance department officials to ensure adequate funding for land acquisition and civil works.
He further instructed officials to treat both the previously announced 25 projects and the newly added 11 projects as priority projects and execute them in line with the Irrigation Calendar schedule.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 88 percent of civil works of Polavaram Project have been completed, 93 percent of land acquisition is completed and 45 percent of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) relocation has been completed.
They said twin tunnels connecting the Polavaram Right Canal are 85 percent complete. Works on the left canal approach channel, head regulator and irrigation tunnel are currently under way.
Officials also informed the Chief Minister about progress on other projects. Under Handri-Neeva Phase-1, 92% canal widening has been completed, while 85% lining work of the Kuppam'Punganur canals under Phase-2 has been completed.
Officials further stated that for the first time, 52 TMC of water had been diverted from the Malyala Lift Scheme to the Rayalaseema region, filling 432 tanks completely. Since June 2024, an expenditure of 4s 2,123 crore has been incurred.
The Chief Minister stated that ECRF Dam Gap-1 and Gap-2 works must be completed within the stipulated timeline. Water should be supplied through the left canal via the Purushothapatnam Lift Scheme from July this year. Once Polavaram waters reach Meghadrigedda through the left canal, they should be linked further to Vamsadhara, Nagavali, and Champavathi. A study should be conducted on the cost of the project.
He also directed that compensation to displaced families under the Polavaram R&R package be implemented strictly according to law and that relocation be completed by April 2027 without disputes.
Additionally, he proposed construction of an iconic bridge downstream of the Polavaram spillway, envisioning it as a major tourism landmark.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure Phase-1 of the Veligonda Project completed by July.He noted that Rs 2,019 crore more is required for pending works including head works, canals, distributaries, land acquisition, and R&R packages. Officials were instructed to remove TBM-related obstacles and complete works within the deadline.
The Chief Minister reiterated that all projects must proceed strictly according to the Irrigation Calendar, ensuring timely completion and water security for farmers across the state.
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