Naidu commits to river linking projects and aggressive agricultural expansion in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to initiate the river interlinking projects in the state, aiming to boost agriculture and make the region drought-proof.
In a significant move, Naidu promised to invest over Rs 70,000 crore between 2024 and 2029 to complete all irrigation projects in the state. This ambitious plan is following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion that "enthusiastic states" should take the lead in such initiatives.
The government of Andhra Pradesh has already allocated a budget of over 70,000 crore rupees for the completion of all irrigation projects. Naidu stated that the NDA government had already spent Rs 12,454 crore on irrigation projects in just one year.
Naidu's vision for the river interlinking projects includes the completion of six projects worth Rs 7,853 crore in Rayalaseema, including the Veligonda Project (Stage I), Upper Pennar LIS, and Galeru Nagari Sujala Sravanthi (GNSS) up to Kadapa.
The government aims to complete nine projects by 2025-26, serving 4.75 lakh acres of new ayacut and stabilising 3.2 lakh acres. These include the BRR Vamsadhara Project (Phase II-Stage II), Hiramandalam Lift Irrigation Scheme, and the interlinking of Nagavali and Champavathi rivers, at a total cost of Rs 2,098 crore.
Despite a 2.1% rainfall deficit this year, 94% of reservoirs were full, with 1,040 TMC of water reserves available. More than 86% of civil works on the Polavaram project have been completed, according to Naidu, and it is expected to be finished by December 2027.
Naidu defended the PPP agreements with 10 medical colleges, stating that it would bring efficiency. However, he criticized the YSRCP for neglecting the irrigation sector between 2019 and 2024, alleging that even canals were not properly maintained during this period.
Naidu also suggested that both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could benefit if they tapped water currently draining into the sea. He did not mention any new facts regarding the river interlinking projects, but emphasised that the NDA government will take responsibility for interlinking all rivers in Andhra Pradesh.
The river interlinking projects are expected to give a major fillip to agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, where only 27% of the total 402 lakh acres are currently irrigated. With the completion of these projects, the state aims to increase irrigation coverage significantly, making it drought-proof.
In his address, Naidu assured the people that every decision he makes will be "guided by foresight." The river interlinking projects are a testament to his commitment to the development and prosperity of Andhra Pradesh.
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