Resume work on Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project from November: Chandrababu

CM directs officials to remain alert and take precautionary measures in view of cyclone over Bay of Bengal

CM directs officials to explore installation of solar panels along canals to generate electricity

CM instructs officials to develop navigation system for inland water transport

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain alert and take precautionary measures in View of heavy rainfall likely under the influence of a developing cyclone over the Bay of Bengal. He instructed them to make effective use of rainfall in the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts by filling reservoirs and irrigation tanks. He called for implementing a comprehensive action plan covering flood management, water management and disaster management. He directed officials to ensure maximum benefits for farmers by preventing the wastage of rainwater, conserving available water and managing irrigation resources efficiently.
During a review meeting on Water Resources Department at camp office today the Chief Minister directed officials to resume work on Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project from November this year. He instructed the Water Resources Department to take the necessary steps to restart the project at the earliest.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the construction of 36 identified priority projects in accordance with the prescribed targets and prepare an action plan to make all the projects operational by December 2028. The government’s objective is to provide tap water to every household and irrigation water to every acre, he said.The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen the existing canal network and enhance water storage capacity. He also asked officials to explore the installation of solar panels along canals to generate electricity. He directed them to take steps to generate revenue for the Water Resources Department through the Jalaharathi Corporation.
The Chief Minister made it clear that there should be no compromise on technical standards in the construction of the Polavaram Project. He directed officials to follow standard operating procedures, engage the best experts and regularly monitor construction activities. As Polavaram is a historic project, quality must be given the highest priority, he said.Officials informed the Chief Minister that 90.2 per cent of the project’s civil works had been completed. Work on Gap-1 and Gap-2 of the main earth-cum-rockfill dam was progressing at a brisk pace. They also stated that expert committees had visited the project several times and expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction.The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the Polavaram Right and Left Main Canals by March 2027. He called for enhancing their carrying capacity to transport water at the maximum possible level.He also instructed officials to complete the iconic bridge being constructed at the project site, creating opportunities for improved connectivity and tourism development.The Chief Minister called for initiating an action plan for linking the Godavari and Pennar rivers and preparing plans to transfer water from the Godavari to the Cauvery.He asked officials to examine the feasibility of constructing barrages at Vaikuntapuram and Chodavaram, upstream and downstream of Prakasam Barrage, to store 14 TMC of water.
In addition to strengthening the canal network across Andhra Pradesh, he instructed officials to develop a navigation system for inland water transport from Bhadrachalam to Visakhapatnam via Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada.
The Chief Minister directed officials to extend the second phase of Jaldhara–Jalaharathi until March 31 and implement it as a 150-day programme. He asked them to integrate the works with the VB-G RAM G employment guarantee scheme.The third phase of the programme should commence on April 1, 2027, he said.
The Chief Minister called for harvesting rainwater and increasing water storage in tanks and reservoirs.He also directed officials to ensure that agricultural output does not decline despite lower rainfall by promoting natural farming practices.
The Chief Minister reiterated the need to explore solar power generation by installing solar panels along canals. He also called for modernising the delta irrigation systems, improving canal maintenance and desilting canals to ensure that irrigation water reaches even the tail-end fields.