Krishna waters to touch the feet of lord Venkateswara

Krishna river waters, which begin their journey from Malyala in Kurnool district, are set to travel 738 kilometers to reach Kuppam in Chittoor district. From the Punganur Branch Canal, the waters will now be channeled through a new pipeline to Tirumala. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) coalition government has sanctioned ₹126 crore and issued orders to complete this project within a year.

During a discussion in the State Assembly in September on the Water Resources Department, Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced that “Krishna waters will be brought to meet Tirupati’s industrial needs and provide drinking water for devotees in Tirumala.” He had made a similar statement in July when he visited the Lord at Tirumala. Within just two months, the government not only gave the green signal for the project but also released funds as a clear sign of keeping their promise.

Kalyani Dam-A boon for Tirumala

Situated at the foothills of the Seshachalam range in Chandragiri constituency, the Kalyani Dam already supplies purified water to Tirupati and Tirumala for daily needs through a lift system. Notably, this facility was originally inaugurated by the then Endowments Minister Dandu Sivarama Raju during a previous TDP government.

Irrigation for 1,000 acres in Chandragiri

The project also aims to provide irrigation water for 1,000 acres in Chandragiri constituency through the Punganur Branch Canal. A 60-kilometer pipeline will be constructed from Adavipalle Reservoir near Pileru to the Kalyani Dam via Chandragiri. The TDP government issued Government Order (GO RT No. 560) on October 15, allocating ₹126 crore for this pipeline construction.

Telugu Ganga Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar confirmed: “Orders have been received to complete this project within a year, and funds have been released.”

Another offering for Tirumala

The Handri-Neeva project considered a blessing for Rayalaseema was first initiated during former CM N. T. Rama Rao’s tenure was completed decades later under a TDP government. The new initiative extends this legacy by ensuring Krishna waters reach Tirupati.

This vision of CM N. Chandrababu Naidu builds upon the groundwork laid by former CM Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy. The massive plan involves drawing water from the Adavipalle Reservoir in KV Palle mandal of Pileru constituency, near the border with Kadapa, and supplying it to Tirumala through Chandragiri.

Route of the pipeline

The 60-kilometer-long pipeline will transport Krishna waters from Adavipalle Reservoir via Chandragiri to the Kalyani Dam. From the Punganur Branch Canal, the water will be lifted through Pulicherla mandal, passing by Bheemavaram and Moolapalle tanks, and through several small ponds Kondreddi Kandriga, Kaniti Madugu, and Nagapatna Venkatrayuni Cheruvu-before finally reaching the Kalyani Dam.

Ensuring drinking water security

Built in 1975 near the Police Training College in Chandragiri mandal, the Kalyani Dam lies below the Seshachalam forest range. It primarily depends on rainfall runoff from the surrounding hills and was originally constructed to meet the drinking water needs of Tirupati and Tirumala.

In 1999, during a TDP government, two pump houses and a water purification plant were established to channel purified water to the dam.

By diverting Krishna waters into the Kalyani Dam, the government aims to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to Tirumala, even during drought years. Currently, in addition to Kalyani Dam, water for Tirumala is also sourced and purified from Gogarbham, Akashaganga, Papavinasanam, and from twin projects Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara located in the Tirumala hills.

With the new Krishna water project, Tirumala’s water security will be further strengthened, a true fulfillment of the government’s commitment to serving the Lord and his devotees.