AP lays down a timeline for 36 irrigation projects by 2028

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Development Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Monday said the state government has drawn up a time-bound action plan to complete 36 irrigation projects between 2026 and 2028, marking what he described as a “new direction” for the irrigation sector.

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat after the comprehensive review chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the minister said that 25 pending projects inherited from the previous government and 11 newly identified projects have been prioritized with clear dates, implementation schedules and key milestones.

He said the main targets include completion of Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) phase II by October 2026, Veligonda phase I by August 2026 and Polavaram project by June-July 2027. Water supply to North Andhra through Polavaram Left Main Canal is targeted for flood protection and anti-flood works by 2026. Completion of the schemes is planned in phases by December 2028.

Mr Ramanaidu said the government has also for the first time decided to introduce a ‘Water Calendar’ clearly specifying irrigation water release dates for major deltas and ayacut areas to help farmers plan cultivation in coordination with the agriculture and horticulture ministries.

The minister said that a 10-year maintenance model for lift irrigation systems would be introduced to ensure uninterrupted water supply and transparency in operations, while the ‘Jaladhara-Jalaharathi’ scheme for groundwater recharge would be scaled up as a mass movement.

Published – 18 May 2026 21:41 IST