AP Unveils ₹20,884 Crore Water Security Plan for Rayalaseema

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a ₹20,884 crore irrigation programme to strengthen long-term water security in Rayalaseema, one of the state's most drought-prone regions. The initiative aims to expand irrigation infrastructure, improve water-use efficiency and reduce dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall. According to the government, the programme will create an additional 52 TMC of water availability, stabilise irrigation across 4.37 lakh acres, and bring nearly 9.80 lakh acres under new irrigation coverage.

The government said the strategy focuses on completing approved irrigation projects, modernising canals and reservoirs, upgrading water distribution systems and enhancing groundwater recharge to ensure sustainable water management across the region.

The Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Project remains the centrepiece of the initiative. Around ₹3,880 crore has been spent on the project over the past year, while ₹3,145 crore has been allocated for strengthening its canal network. Once completed, it will carry Krishna River water to tail-end areas such as Kuppam and Madakasira, irrigating more than 6 lakh acres and providing drinking water to nearly 33 lakh people.

Work is also progressing on the Galeru-Nagari Sujala Sravanthi (GNSS) Project to improve irrigation in Kadapa, Annamayya and Chittoor districts. Meanwhile, the Telugu Ganga Project is being upgraded to improve water distribution to tail-end ayacut areas while continuing to supply drinking water to Chennai.

The government said the Polavaram and Pattiseema projects will play a key role in its long-term water strategy by enabling better utilisation of surplus Godavari waters and improving water availability in Rayalaseema. Other ongoing works include the Vedavathi Project, Pothireddypadu Head Regulator modernisation, restoration of Gorakallu and Alaganur reservoirs, and repairs to the Tungabhadra Dam and Srisailam Plunge Pool.

Additionally, the state has launched a ₹4,500 crore modernisation programme for 1,049 lift irrigation schemes, expected to provide reliable irrigation to over 8.2 lakh acres. The government is also restoring 1,011 irrigation tanks, with 530 already replenished, as part of efforts to improve groundwater recharge. It expressed confidence that the integrated irrigation strategy will strengthen Rayalaseema's water security and make agriculture more resilient to recurring droughts.