Chief Minister Directs Officials to Expedite 36 Irrigation Projects in Vijayawada
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to execute 36 irrigation projects on a priority basis, with no shortage of funds for land acquisition and civil works. The CM held a review meeting with officials at the Secretariat in Vijayawada on Monday to discuss the progress of Polavaram and other irrigation projects.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
- Prioritization of Projects: The CM has identified 11 additional irrigation projects to be executed on a priority basis, in addition to the already announced 25 projects as per the Irrigation Calendar.
- Funding for Land Acquisition: The finance officials have been directed to ensure no shortage of funds for land acquisition and civil works for the projects.
- Polavaram Project Progress: The officials informed that 88% of the civil works have been completed, while land acquisition was done up to 93% and rehabilitation of project-affected people was done up to 45%.
- Handrineeva and Kuppam-Punganuru Canals: The canals widening works were completed up to 92% and the canals lining works were completed up to 85%.
- Water Diversion: An amount of 52 tmc water had been diverted from the Malyala lift scheme to Rayalaseema area for the first time, filling 432 tanks to the brim.
- Expenditure: An amount of ₹2,123 crore had been spent for execution of several irrigation projects from June 2024 till-date.
Chief Minister's Directions and Expectations
The CM has directed the officials to complete the works on ECRF Gap-1 and 2 in a stipulated period and release water from the Purushottapatnam lift scheme from July. He also called for the development of an iconic bridge downside of Polavaram spillway and wanted the area to be the best tourism attraction.
The CM has also directed the officials to come up with plans in advance in the wake of the El Niño situation to prepare farmers to raise crops. He felt the need for widespread publicity for water security and wanted AP to be in the number one position on micro irrigation.
Groundwater Crisis and Agriculture
The CM noted that the state is spending ₹17,000 crore for agriculture and if the groundwater tables are raised, it would help bring down power consumption and reduce the burden on the state government on energy.
YSR Congress Government's Alleged Failure
The CM has turned critical against the YSR Congress government for its alleged failure to make allocation of funds for proper maintenance of irrigation lift schemes during 2014-19. He noted that 362 lift schemes failed to function due to lack of funds.
However, after the alliance government assumed power, 156 lifts were revived completely while 505 were functioning partially, the officials informed the CM.