Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan drew water from the rejuvenated water reservoir at Vengalayapalem village in Guntur on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: T. VIJAY KUMAR
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) announced that the central government is working to convert 10 million women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’, each earning at least ₹1 lakh per year, through self-employment and empowerment initiatives.
Mr. Chouhan made the announcement at a public meeting after inaugurating the rejuvenated 21-acre Vengalayapalem Cheruvu (reservoir) in Guntur Rural Mandal of Guntur district during the closing ceremony of the two-day National Watershed Festival on Tuesday.
Mr. Chouhan, who was joined by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said the Center and the Andhra Pradesh government are jointly implementing programs for rural empowerment through watershed development, sustainable agriculture and women-centric initiatives.
He added that under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, rural women will be supported to earn an annual income of ₹ 2 lakh and no poor family in Andhra Pradesh will be left without a permanent house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Mr. Chandra Sekhar highlighted the release of ₹ 180 crore in outstanding MGNREGS accounts and promotion of income generating activities like fish farming, duck farming and coconut plantations around the reservoir.
He said the Vengalayapalem reservoir will serve as a model for water conservation across India. “Water is the essence of life and cultural progress. By revitalizing reservoirs and supporting watershed programs, we ensure groundwater recharge, better soil fertility and a sustainable economy,” he added.
The rejuvenated 21-acre Vengalayapalm tank was developed at a cost of ₹1.20 crore. The reservoir draws its main source of water from the Kondavagu stream.
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a mango tree at Vengalayapalem village in Guntur on Tuesday. The State Minister for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh. | Photo Credit: T. VIJAY KUMAR
Earlier, the ministers and guests offered prayers at the local Vighneswara and Poleramma temples, planted saplings at the Nakshatra Vanam and walked on the newly laid footpath.
They also saw a restored well, a children’s park, a fitness park and an open-air theater around the lake. Later, speaking to the media, Mr. Chouhan said, “Water is the basis of cultural growth.” He pointed out that programs like the watershed development component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana are being implemented across the country.
The Union minister said that the Vengalayapalem reservoir is a model for community-based water conservation and that the Center will work to replicate such models in other parts of the country. “Such projects promote good health among citizens and nurture cultural development,” he said, describing the tank as a multi-purpose asset to the community.
Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasized the importance of water conservation to protect future generations and promote agricultural prosperity. During the event, Mr. Chouhan distributed incentive checks of ₹20,000 to seven top performing watershed projects from Chittoor, Sri Sathya Sai, Annamayya, Prakasam and Vizianagaram districts under the Watershed Jan Bhagirathi Cup 2025 awards.
Published – 11 Nov 2025 20:38 IST
