NTR laid strong foundation for Rayalaseema irrigation projects, says Minister Ramanaidu

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Tuesday said that Rayalaseema’s transformation from a drought-prone region to a productive agricultural zone was rooted in the vision of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao and current Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Mr. Ramanaidu said NTR had identified irrigation as the only lasting solution to Rayalaseema’s hardships and initiated major projects such as Telugu Ganga, Handri–Neeva, Galeru–Nagari, Gandikota and others.

Mr. Naidu later expanded these initiatives and worked consistently to realise the irrigation potential of the region.

The Minister said focused attention by the present coalition government had improved water management, with reservoirs and tanks across Rayalaseema showing healthy storage levels.

He cited official data to state that a significant share of major, medium and minor irrigation systems were currently holding substantial water, enabling farmers to take up even a second crop.

Mr. Ramanaidu said the Handri–Neeva project, considered Rayalaseema’s lifeline, had received major funding under the current government, unlike the previous five years. He added that neglected reservoirs such as Gorakallu, Avuku and Alaganuru were being restored with dedicated allocations, along with safety works at Srisailam and Tungabhadra.

Responding to criticism on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, the Minister said that the claims of additional water benefits were misleading and explained that gravity flows were already serving the region. He maintained that the present government was focusing on strengthening existing infrastructure, ensuring safety, and improving long-term water availability for Rayalaseema’s farmers.