Naidu orders comprehensive water plan for Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive water plan for Andhra Pradesh, taking into account drinking water, irrigation and industrial requirements, and ensure strict implementation of the irrigation calendar.

Reviewing the water resources department at his camp office, Mr. Naidu said there should be no compromise on the progress of irrigation projects. The plan should cover the entire chain of water management, from major irrigation projects and lift schemes to distribution and crop canals. According to him, micro-irrigation, hydel power and transfer tank projects should also be included in the plan.

Mr. Naidu directed the officials to take short and long term measures on war footing to meet Visakhapatnam’s drinking and industrial water requirements. He asked them to speed up the supply of water through the drinking water supply canal from the left main Polavaram canal to the Kanithi equalization reservoir and ensure regular supply from the reservoirs to the areas under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.

Polavaram Tourism Plan

Mr. Naidu said that ₹35,000 crore had been spent on priority projects under the irrigation calendar and directed the officials to carry out the works as per schedule.

After reviewing the rehabilitation and resettlement work and land acquisition for the Polavaram project, he directed officials to complete all work related to the project by March next year and ensure that there are no financial or other hurdles.

He also called for a plan to develop Polavaram as a tourist destination. Officials have been asked to make efforts to fill the reservoirs in Anakapalli district to their full capacity, if possible, with water from the Polavaram Left Canal.

Mr. Naidu called for water conservation to become a mass movement and suggested using social media to create awareness about irrigation projects, their benefits and the importance of water conservation.

He also asked the officials to introduce schemes like Jaladhara-Jalaharathi to the people and explain the benefits of raising the water table to encourage more public participation.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials of the Finance and Water Resources Department attended the review.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 23:06 IST