CM Naidu calls for speedy execution of prioritised irrigation projects, especially Polavaram

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told the officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) to provide updates about the Polavaram project from time to time, and not to compromise on the quality of the construction. 

Addressing a review meeting on prioritised irrigation projects on Friday (March 6, 2026) night, Mr. Naidu said there should be no lapses or discrepancies in the maintenance of standards, technical aspects, or documentation. 

The project implementation should be done in such a way that the Center does not point fingers at the State. 

The CM wanted constant feedback from ​international experts who visited the Polavaram project so that it could be built as advised by them. 

He said the Central officials should be informed of the time – bound schedule being followed by the State for the construction of the multi – purpose project, and that he would hold monthly review hereafter. 

Further, Mr. Naidu said the Polavaram Left Main Canal works should be completed up to Meghadrigedda in Visakhapatnam district at the earliest. 

Construction of the Diaphragm Wall (D-Wall) must be over by the end of this month, he instructed the officials, while insisting that due focus should be laid on rehabilitation of the project affected families as water was planned to be stored up to 41.15 meters.

He pointed out that the State government decided to build a new D-Wall in spite of a suggestion by experts to repair the old one, keeping in view public safety. 

Mr. Naidu said the action plan drawn up to complete Polavaram and various projects in Rayalaseema and the north coastal districts should be scrupulously followed.

He ordered that the Veligonda and North Andhra projects be expedited and told the officials to ensure that they (the projects) were not hit paucity of funds, by properly coordinating with the Finance Department.

He said the officials should secure speedy clearances for the Polavaram – Nallamala Sagar Link project in order to commence works at the earliest.

​Repairs and maintenance of lift irrigation projects should be done under the Hybrid Annuity Mode method, he added. 

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and Special CS to CM K. Vijayanand was among those present.