Amaravati, 26 February (HS): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday outlined a roadmap to complete key irrigation projects across the State, stating that strengthening water security remains a priority of his government.

Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said ₹2,000 crore would be allocated in a phased manner to complete pending irrigation projects in North Andhra. He emphasised that ensuring water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes across regions is central to the State’s development strategy.

Naidu said Andhra Pradesh’s water security framework is being strengthened and asserted that the State is moving towards better irrigation coverage compared to other southern States.

Referring to the Polavaram irrigation project, the Chief Minister alleged that the project had suffered setbacks during the previous administration. He claimed that the diaphragm wall was washed away and that the issue went unnoticed at the time.

“We are putting the project back on track and will complete it before the next Pushkarams and dedicate it to the nation,” Naidu said.

The Polavaram project, declared a national project, is considered critical for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation in Andhra Pradesh.

Officials indicated that the proposed phased allocation for North Andhra projects is aimed at accelerating stalled works and improving irrigation potential in the region.

The announcement is being seen as part of the State government’s broader focus on infrastructure and water resource management, with irrigation projects positioned as a key component of agricultural growth and regional development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar