Efficient water management will ensure a drought-free State: Naidu

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday declared that Andhra Pradesh, once known as a hub of farmer suicides, was being transformed into a farmer-friendly State through sustained water management and irrigation reforms.

Addressing a large gathering at the Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) meeting held near the State Secretariat in Amaravati, he said water security was essential for everyone, but water conservation was still not receiving the attention it deserved.

Recalling past conditions, the Chief Minister said even natural springs in Rayalaseema once had abundant water, and asserted that former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao had envisioned converting the rocky region into a land of prosperity through major irrigation projects. He noted that projects such as Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari and Telugu Ganga materialised due to the initiative of the TDP, with Telugu Ganga not only greening Rayalaseema but also quenching Chennai’s thirst. Stressing that water disputes between regions and States had become common, he cited the Cauvery issue as an example.

Mr. Naidu said his government had launched an extensive recharge pit programme to turn land itself into a water reservoir, improving groundwater levels. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had specially mentioned Anantapur’s water conservation efforts in Mann Ki Baat programme. With 10 lakh recharge pits and micro-irrigation systems, the government was optimising water use and had transformed Anantapur from a drought-prone district into a hub of orchards, moving towards becoming a horticulture hub. If the water of the State’s rivers was used efficiently, drought could be eliminated, he said, urging WUA representatives to ensure water supply to every acre.

The Chief Minister announced that his government would clear all pending bills from works executed previously. Works would be allotted to irrigation associations without GST, while allowing them to collect water tax and manage canals efficiently. He said all reservoirs across the State were currently full and called for timely planning for both kharif and rabi seasons, diversification beyond paddy, promotion of natural farming and higher farmer incomes. Over ₹10,000 crore had already been credited to farmers’ accounts within 24 hours of grain procurement, he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to completing the Polavaram project by the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, linking rivers to ensure water for North Andhra and Rayalaseema, and driving away drought permanently. He sought collective participation of irrigation associations, calling on them to act as engineers and partners in water governance.

Earlier, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, and MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar held a ramp walk and greeted the gathering.