CM Directs Officials to Maintain Constant Coordination with Centre on Polavaram Project
Focus on Completing Veligonda, Handri–Neeva and North Andhra Irrigation Projects in Priority Order
Amaravati, March 6: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated that the state government will not compromise on the quality and safety standards of irrigation projects being constructed across the state. Emphasizing that public safety and long-term sustainability must remain the top priorities, the Chief Minister directed officials to strictly follow engineering standards and maintain transparency in all project works.
Naidu made these remarks while reviewing the progress of major irrigation projects in the state during a meeting held at his chamber in the Assembly on Friday. The review meeting was attended by Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and senior officials of the irrigation department. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of several key irrigation projects including Polavaram, Veligonda, Handri–Neeva, Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link, Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme, Varikapudisella Lift Scheme, and various irrigation projects in North Andhra, along with the status of rehabilitation and resettlement works related to these projects.
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The Chief Minister said that irrigation infrastructure is crucial for the state’s agricultural growth and water security. He observed that several irrigation projects in the state have remained incomplete for decades despite being announced as election promises by previous governments. Such delays, he said, should not continue in the future.
Naidu pointed out that some irrigation projects that were launched during the period of the united Andhra Pradesh are still pending completion, which is unacceptable. To address this issue, the state government has prepared a structured action plan to complete priority irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Palnadu, and North Andhra regions, including the nationally important Polavaram project, in a phased and time-bound manner.
He reiterated that the coalition government is committed to completing these projects and ensuring that irrigation facilities reach farmers across the state. At the same time, he warned that any negligence in maintaining construction quality will attract strict action. Officials at all levels—from senior administrators to field-level staff—must ensure that the highest standards are followed during the execution of works.
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The Chief Minister also referred to past incidents where irrigation projects suffered due to poor construction quality. He cited the collapse of the Jhanjhavathi rubber dam during the tenure of the then Congress government and the damage to the diaphragm wall of the Polavaram project during the previous government’s rule. Although some experts suggested repairing the damaged diaphragm wall, the present government decided to construct a new diaphragm wall to ensure safety, durability, and compliance with technical standards.
Continuous Coordination with the Centre on Polavaram
Naidu directed officials to maintain continuous coordination with the Central government regarding the construction of the Polavaram project. He stressed that every update related to the project’s progress must be communicated to the concerned authorities in the Centre without delay.
He also emphasized the need for accurate technical documentation, reports, and compliance with engineering standards. According to the Chief Minister, there should be no shortcomings in documentation or technical reporting, as Polavaram is a project of national importance.
Naidu suggested that international experts should be invited periodically to review the progress of the Polavaram project. If physical visits are not feasible, their advice can be obtained through video conferences. He said the government has set a time-bound schedule for completing the project, and he will personally review the progress of Polavaram every month.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to complete the Left Main Canal up to Meghadrigedda and also finish the remaining works of the Right Main Canal, which are estimated to cost around ₹200 crore, during the current season. He further directed that the construction of the new diaphragm wall should be completed by the end of this month.
He stressed that all construction and rehabilitation works necessary for storing water up to 41.15 meters must be completed without delay. Any issues related to rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) of displaced families must be addressed immediately. Officials were instructed not to delay administrative approvals or the release of funds required for these works.
Focus on Veligonda and North Andhra Projects
The Chief Minister said the Veligonda project requires about ₹2,041 crore for completion and directed officials to focus simultaneously on construction activities and rehabilitation works. He asked irrigation officials to coordinate closely with the Finance Department to ensure that funds are released in phases as required.
Naidu also reviewed the progress of the Handri–Neeva irrigation project, noting that 92 percent of the canal widening works under Phase-1 have already been completed. Similarly, 85 percent of the works on the Kuppam–Punganur canal have been finished. The remaining works must be completed quickly so that irrigation water can reach Madanapalle and Chittoor regions through the canal network.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to pursue approvals from the Central government for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link project and expedite the implementation of the Varikapudisella Lift and Chintalapudi Lift irrigation projects.
Highlighting the need to accelerate development in North Andhra, Naidu directed officials to prioritize several pending projects including Vamsadhara–Nagavali, Thotapalli Barrage, Tarakaram, Mahendratanaya Offshore project, Hiramandalam, Madduvalasa, Jhanjhavathi, and the Nagavali–Champavathi link project.
He also advised officials to identify smaller irrigation projects that require minimal investment but can deliver quick results, so that irrigation benefits can reach farmers faster.
Financial Roadmap for Irrigation Projects
The Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to prepare a clear roadmap for releasing funds in phases for priority irrigation projects. He emphasized that there should be no shortage of funds for important irrigation works.
Naidu said close coordination between the irrigation and finance departments is essential to ensure steady progress of ongoing projects. The government is committed to completing irrigation infrastructure in a planned, transparent, and time-bound manner, he said.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that strengthening irrigation infrastructure is critical for agricultural growth, water security, and rural development in Andhra Pradesh. He assured that the government will continue to monitor the progress of all major projects closely and ensure that they are completed efficiently for the benefit of farmers and the people of the state.
