Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Vision to Interlink Andhra Rivers, Announces ₹35,000 Crore for 36 Irrigation Projects
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to complete 36 irrigation projects worth ₹35,000 crore and reiterated his vision to interlink rivers from Vamsadhara to Penna.
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reaffirmed his vision to interlink rivers across Andhra Pradesh from Vamsadhara to Penna and announced that the state government will complete 36 priority irrigation projects over the next three years with an investment of ₹35,000 crore. Addressing a public meeting after offering Jala Harathi to the Godavari waters at the sacred confluence of the Krishna and Godavari rivers near Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district, Naidu said effective utilisation of river water would boost irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial development and wealth creation.
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Chandrababu Naidu Calls for River Interlinking Across Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said his long-term vision is to interlink rivers across Andhra Pradesh from Vamsadhara to Penna.
He said that just as the Golden Quadrilateral transformed India’s road network, a nationwide river-linking programme has the potential to transform the country’s future.
Naidu reiterated that the Andhra Pradesh government will complete 36 priority irrigation projects over the next three years with an investment of ₹35,000 crore.
“If water flowing into the sea is effectively utilised for irrigation, drinking water and industrial needs, it will generate enormous wealth,” he said.
Pattiseema Project Boosted Krishna Delta, Says CM
Speaking after offering Jala Harathi to the Godavari waters at the sacred confluence of the Krishna and Godavari rivers near Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district, the Chief Minister said the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project had transformed the fortunes of farmers in the Krishna Delta by ensuring timely irrigation.
He said that since 2015, 450 TMC of Godavari floodwaters have been diverted to the Krishna River through the Pattiseema project.
According to Naidu, the project was constructed at a cost of ₹1,300 crore and has not only stabilised the Krishna Delta but has also contributed significantly to wealth creation across the state.
He said Pattiseema enabled Godavari waters to reach the Krishna River, making the Krishna Delta green and prosperous.
Naidu added that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government completed the project within one year and safeguarded the Krishna Delta.
“With 80 TMC of water, we stabilised irrigation for 13 lakh acres in the delta despite criticism from some people,” he said.
Water Conservation for Rayalaseema
The Chief Minister said that by diverting Godavari water through the Polavaram Right Main Canal, the government is conserving Krishna waters in the Srisailam Reservoir and supplying them to Rayalaseema.
He said the coalition government’s objective is to provide irrigation to every cultivable acre in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu stated that the government spent ₹68,000 crore on the irrigation sector between 2014 and 2019, and another ₹24,000 crore during the last two years since 2024.
Tribute to Dr K.L. Rao
On the occasion of the 124th birth anniversary of eminent engineer Dr K.L. Rao, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to his portrait.
He said the government is organising statewide programmes to inspire future generations of engineers through the legacy of Dr K.L. Rao.
Highlighting his contributions, Naidu said Dr K.L. Rao played a pivotal role in the construction of major irrigation projects, including:
- Srisailam Dam
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Hirakud Dam
- Kosi Dam
He also noted that Dr K.L. Rao served as an international water expert for the United Nations in countries such as Egypt and Sudan.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reiterated his vision to interlink rivers from Vamsadhara to Penna while announcing that the Andhra Pradesh government will complete 36 priority irrigation projects worth ₹35,000 crore over the next three years. Speaking after offering Jala Harathi at the confluence of the Krishna and Godavari rivers near Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district, he highlighted the achievements of the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project, outlined the state’s irrigation investments, and paid tribute to eminent engineer Dr K.L. Rao on his 124th birth anniversary.
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