Meet Deadlines or Report to Amaravati: Minister Nimmala Warns

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu on Wednesday met V. L. Kantha Rao Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in Rajamahendravaram to review the progress of the Polavaram Project.

The minister said works are progressing steadily and sought early approvals for pending designs , along with financial support for the enhanced capacity of the project’s main canals . He also urged clearance for the proposed Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar link to utilise surplus floodwaters of the Godavari River, noting that nearly 3,000 TMC is lost to the sea annually.

He requested Central assistance to strengthen river embankments and protect coastal regions from floods and cyclones along major rivers, including the Krishna River, Penna River, Vamsadhara River and Nagavali River. Support was also sought for desilting delta drains and maintaining river mouths .

On inter-state matters, he said issues related to the Almatti dam height fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India.

Kantha Rao assured that funds would be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and flood management programmes for repair and restoration works.

Earlier, the minister reviewed key irrigation projects and directed officials to meet deadlines , warning of strict action for delays. He expressed concern over slow progress in tunnel lining works at the Veligonda Project despite regular monitoring.

He identified the Polavaram left main canal and Veligonda as priority works after Polavaram and the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Project, directing their completion before the next agricultural season to extend water supply up to Anakapalli.

The minister also instructed that weekly progress reports be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has set a June target for filling Nallamala Sagar. He added that rehabilitation of displaced families is being taken up alongside project execution.