Cabinet gives ₹775-crore push to irrigation projects in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday approved major irrigation works with a combined administrative sanction of over ₹775 crore aimed at fast-tracking critical water resource projects and ensuring efficient irrigation across the State.

The Cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to enhance land value for rehabilitation purposes for the Polavaram project-displaced families, empowering the District Collector to fix ₹4.20 lakh per acre for the affected lands.

Disclosing the details of the Cabinet meeting, Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi said the Cabinet had taken a series of major decisions to accelerate irrigation projects, strengthen water management systems, and support farmers across the State.

It had taken key decisions on the Polavaram project, focusing on rehabilitation, continuation of works, and ensuring long-term benefits to the affected regions. It was decided to ensure fair compensation for the displaced families, while continuing critical components such as the Polavaram Lift Scheme, which was essential for providing drinking water during drought conditions.

The Cabinet also approved the allocation of water from the Gandikota Reservoir for the proposed 2,400-MW Koppolu Pumped Hydro Storage Project in Kadapa district.

The Cabinet also focused on expediting works under the Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project. These include completion of balance works under Package No. 36A and construction-related works at Km 188.200 of the main canal.

The earlier contractor was removed due to poor performance, and the remaining works were expected to provide irrigation to 55,608 acres. Cost escalation was unavoidable due to difficult terrain conditions such as hard rock and weak soil, which required structural modifications to ensure proper water flow, the Minister said.

“Emphasis is on completing pending works by removing non-performing contractors and strengthening canal infrastructure in Rayalaseema so that water flows as per design capacity,” he said.

Modernisation of the Punganur Branch Canal had been approved, with focus on improving water flow through proper canal lining and structural strengthening based on field conditions.

In Kurnool district, the Cabinet approved maintenance of lift irrigation schemes to ensure irrigation in areas not covered under the existing canal systems, thereby supporting farmers in gap ayacut regions. The Cabinet cleared administrative sanctions for these projects, Mr. Parthasarathi said.

To address misuse of water resources, the Cabinet decided to take measures to curb illegal water diversion by deploying watch-and-ward personnel along the vulnerable canal stretches. “These steps are aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of water among the farmers,” he said.

The Minister said the Cabinet also approved the strengthening of the State’s legal team to effectively represent Andhra Pradesh in the ongoing inter-State river water disputes.

The Minister said these decisions reflect a comprehensive and focused approach towards improving irrigation infrastructure, ensuring efficient water utilisation, and safeguarding farmers’ interests.