CM Chandrababu Calls for Completion of Pending Projects

The Andhra Pradesh government is moving swiftly to complete pending irrigation projects and revitalise the state’s irrigation sector. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare comprehensive action plans for developing a world-class horticulture cluster in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Markapuram. He emphasised increasing horticultural production to meet global market demands, targeting 500 million metric tonnes .

At a review meeting at the CM’s camp office, discussions covered irrigation, horticulture, logistics, transport, and market connectivity across 10 districts. The Chief Minister instructed officials to coordinate state funds with the Purvodaya initiative for efficient project execution. Ministers highlighted that previous governments had neglected the irrigation sector, leaving many projects incomplete.

Mr. Naidu stressed prioritising projects that can be completed quickly with limited funds, while ensuring all major projects meet their timelines. He directed immediate completion of the Veligonda project and restoration of the Annamayya project , and called for special attention to the Galeru–Nagari project to channel Krishna waters up to Kadapa. Officials noted that over 20 projects would expand irrigation to 8.87 lakh acres and stabilise another 4.30 lakh acres.

The Chief Minister also urged prioritising irrigation in North Andhra, noting that completing the Polavaram Right Main Canal would allow Godavari waters to reach North Andhra, enabling interlinking of Polavaram and Vamsadhara rivers. A clear roadmap for upcoming projects in the region was requested.

Minister Atchannaidu said these projects would significantly expand horticulture across 10 districts, with proposals ready for 201 clusters in 303 mandals. Plans aim to increase horticulture areas from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares within three years. Mr. Naidu emphasised developing Rayalaseema as the world’s largest horticulture cluster , with Dubai-based DP World collaborating on the project.

Key irrigation projects to be prioritised include Veligonda , Korisapadu Lift Irrigation Scheme, Paleru Reservoir, Mallemadugu Lift–Reservoir, Sri Balaji Reservoir, Kuppam–Punganur branch canals, Handri–Neeva canals, Jeedipalli lifts, Anantapur Community Micro Irrigation, Madakasira Branch Canal, Peruru Lift Irrigation Scheme, Galeru–Nagari Sujala Sravanthi , restoration of Annamayya, Vedavathi–Alaganuru–Gajuladinne projects, and 1,011 minor irrigation tanks across seven districts. The meeting was attended by senior officials from Finance, Irrigation, Agriculture, Horticulture, Ports, and R&B departments.