AP Govt Prioritises Key Irrigation Projects, Sets Monthly Monitoring for Polavaram

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to accelerate the completion of major irrigation projects through priority-based planning, stricter monitoring, and coordinated funding mechanisms, aiming to deliver long-pending irrigation benefits to farmers across the state.

At a high-level review meeting held in Amaravati, N. Chandrababu Naidu assessed the progress of several irrigation projects and directed officials to ensure time-bound execution, improved construction quality, and efficient financial management . The meeting focused on speeding up works on projects that have remained incomplete for years despite repeated announcements.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the status of major projects including the Polavaram Project , Veligonda Project , Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Project , Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme , and Varikapudisala Lift Irrigation Scheme , along with several irrigation initiatives in North Andhra. The meeting also reviewed the progress of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) programmes associated with these projects.

A key decision taken during the review was to place the Polavaram project under monthly monitoring , with the Chief Minister indicating that progress would be reviewed regularly to ensure that construction timelines are maintained. Officials were asked to maintain close coordination with the Union government and provide regular technical updates to the Polavaram Project Authority , which oversees the national project.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for strict construction standards , especially after the earlier damage to the diaphragm wall at the Polavaram site. Officials informed the meeting that a new diaphragm wall is being constructed with enhanced technical supervision , and periodic consultations with international experts are being considered to ensure quality.

Authorities were directed to complete the left main canal works up to Meghadrigedda and finish the remaining works on the right main canal during the current season . Construction and rehabilitation works required to enable water storage up to 41.15 metres are also being expedited.

Officials further informed the meeting that around ₹2,041 crore is required to complete the remaining works of the Veligonda project , while 92 percent of canal expansion works under Phase-1 of the Handri–Neeva project have already been completed .

Given the scale of irrigation infrastructure in the state, funding for these projects is being managed through a combination of central assistance, state budget allocations, institutional borrowings, and milestone-based payments to contractors . Major infrastructure firms such as Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited , Navayuga Engineering Company Limited , and Transstroy India Limited have handled key packages in large irrigation projects over the years.

Officials said prioritising projects nearing completion, along with regular monitoring and assured funding, is expected to accelerate irrigation coverage and strengthen water security across Andhra Pradesh.