Pawan Kalyan Pushes Revival Of 105 Lakes With ₹50 Crore Modernisation Drive

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a major initiative to restore and modernise village water bodies, aiming to strengthen irrigation resources, improve groundwater levels, protect the environment and create better public spaces in rural areas.

Under the initiative spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, as many as 105 lakes and tanks are being developed across the state through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The projects have an estimated cost of nearly ₹50 crore.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office on Friday, development works on 26 water bodies have already been completed. Projects have been taken up in Anantapur, Palnadu, Sri Sathya Sai, Chittoor, Kurnool, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore, Kakinada and Guntur districts. Work on the remaining water bodies is progressing at various stages.

The programme focuses not only on increasing water storage capacity but also on transforming renovated water bodies into useful community spaces. Works include strengthening lake bunds, constructing walking tracks and entrance gates, installing solar lights and seating facilities, besides developing parks for children and open-air gyms.

Several completed projects, including Vedulla Cheruvu in Kuppam, Panduru Cheruvu in Kakinada Rural, Vengalayapalem Cheruvu in Guntur, Gudishelapalli Cheruvu in Anantapur, Vinjamuru in Nellore and Palasamudram in Sri Sathya Sai district, are now available for public use.

Officials expect improved water retention to enhance irrigation availability and support groundwater recharge in surrounding areas. The revival of local water bodies is also expected to contribute to environmental conservation and improve living conditions in villages.

Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to give equal priority to the quality and timely completion of the works. He has called for regular monitoring to ensure that construction meets prescribed standards and has set a target of completing the remaining projects by the end of September.

The Deputy Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar for supporting state development through centrally sponsored programmes.

The government said the initiative seeks to combine water security, environmental protection, rural infrastructure and public well-being through the revival of village water resources.