Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presiding over a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Thursday. | Photo credit: PTI
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday approved major irrigation works with a combined administrative sanction of over ₹775 crore aimed at fast-tracking critical water resource projects and ensuring efficient irrigation across the state.
The Cabinet approved the proposal to increase the value of land for rehabilitation purposes for families displaced by the Polavaram project and empowered the District Collector to fix ₹ 4.20 lakh per acre for the affected lands.
Releasing details of the cabinet meeting, Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi said the cabinet took a number of major decisions to speed up irrigation projects, strengthen water management systems and support farmers across the state.
She took key decisions on the Polavaram project with a focus on rehabilitation, continuation of work and ensuring long-term benefits for the affected regions. It was decided to ensure fair compensation for the displaced families while continuing with critical components such as the Polavaram Lift Scheme, which was essential for providing drinking water during the drought.
The Cabinet also approved the allocation of water from Gandikota Dam for the proposed 2,400 MW Koppolu Pumped Reservoir Project in Kadapa district.
The cabinet also focused on expediting the works under the Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project. These include the completion of balancing works under Package No. 36A and construction works at Km 188,200 of the main canal.
The previous contractor was removed due to poor performance and the remaining work was expected to irrigate 55,608 acres. Cost escalation was inevitable due to difficult terrain conditions such as hard rocks and weak soil, which required structural modifications to ensure proper water flow, the minister said.
“The focus is on completing the ongoing works by removing non-performing contractors and strengthening the canal infrastructure in Rayalaseema so that water flows as per the design capacity,” he said.
Upgradation of the Punganur branch canal has been approved with a focus on improving water flow through proper lining of the canal and strengthening of the structure based on field conditions.
In Kurnool district, the government has approved the retention of lift irrigation systems to provide irrigation to areas not covered by existing canal systems and thereby support farmers in gap ayacut areas. The Cabinet approved administrative sanctions for these projects, Mr. Parthasarathi said.
To deal with misuse of water resources, the cabinet decided to take measures to curb illegal diversion of water by deploying watchmen along vulnerable stretches of the canal. “These steps are aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of water among farmers,” he said.
The minister said the government has also approved strengthening the state’s legal team to effectively represent Andhra Pradesh in ongoing inter-state river water disputes.
The minister said that these decisions reflect a comprehensive and targeted approach to improving irrigation infrastructure, ensuring efficient use of water and protecting the interests of farmers.
Published – 26 March 2026 19:51 IST
