A.P. unveils White Paper on irrigation; ₹35,555-crore plan to complete 36 projects by 2028
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has released a White Paper on the irrigation sector, outlining the State government’s plan to complete 36 major
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has released a White Paper on the irrigation sector, outlining the State government’s plan to complete 36 major irrigation projects with an estimated investment of ₹35,555 crore by December 2028. Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Minister said the government had spent ₹24,611 crore on irrigation over the past two years, including ₹12,484 crore on projects in Rayalaseema. “An irrigation action calendar has been introduced to accelerate project execution,” he said. Claiming that the coalition government had inherited a ‘devastated irrigation sector’ and weak finances from the previous YSRCP government, he said that the government has restored momentum through a time-bound implementation strategy.
Describing the Polavaram Project as Andhra Pradesh’s lifeline, the Minister said 72 per cent of the project had been completed during the TDP’s previous tenure and claimed it would have been finished by 2021-22 had the government remained in power. He alleged the YSRCP government had neglected the project for 17 months after assuming office in 2019, failed to fulfil the commitments made to displaced families and diverted Central funds released for the project. Ramanaidu said the ECRF Dam, the project’s most critical component, had achieved 31 per cent completion, while right and left canal connectivity works were progressing round the clock.
The coalition government had paid ₹2,250 crore towards rehabilitation and compensation for project-displaced families in the last two years and spent ₹1,050 crore on the Polavaram Left Main Canal, with the aim of supplying water to Anakapalli district by July 2026. Referring to the Veligonda Project, Mr. Ramanaidu criticised the previous government for dedicating an incomplete project, noting that while it spent ₹981 crore in five years, the present government had already spent ₹1,108.12 crore in two years. He also announced completion of Phase I and II of the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Project within 100 days for ₹3,870 crore.
“The White Paper reflects the government’s strategy to complete long-pending irrigation projects and improve water availability across Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
The BriefWire