Godavari Waters Reach North Andhra, Fulfilling Decades-Old Dream: Ram Mohan Naidu

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu described the arrival of Godavari water in North Andhra as a landmark moment for the region, bringing a decades-old aspiration closer to reality.

Reacting to the diversion of Godavari waters through the Veligonda Project, Ram Mohan Naidu congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh and said the flow of the river’s waters into North Andhra could usher in a new phase of development.

In a video message shared on social media, the Union Minister said the Godavari waters reaching North Andhra’s lands marked the beginning of a golden era for the state. He highlighted the progress of major projects such as Veligonda, Bhogapuram and Amaravati, noting that several initiatives once considered difficult to achieve were now taking concrete shape. He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu for his efforts in advancing major development and irrigation projects.

The arrival of Godavari water has brought relief and optimism among farmers, while also promising improved drinking-water access. The government plans to use water released through the left canal to irrigate 2.87 lakh acres across East Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema and Anakapalli districts and provide drinking water to 9.23 lakh people.

To support the water transfer, syphons and aqueducts have been constructed across the Tandava, Varaha and Sarada rivers, as well as the Yeleru canal. The government has so far spent Rs 4,192 crore on the left canal. The Water Resources Department also plans to fill the Yeleru canal near Anakapalli and replenish 110 tanks in the district.

The project is expected to strengthen irrigation across 1.48 lakh acres under the Pushkara ayacut, 80,000 acres under Yeleru, 12,000 acres under Pampa, and 46,620 acres under the Tandava, Varaha and Mamidigedda ayacuts.

Officials have planned to divert 23.44 TMC of water for industrial, drinking-water and irrigation requirements in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts, marking a significant step towards strengthening the region’s long-term water security.