₹20,884-Crore Irrigation Drive Targets Water Security for Rayalaseema
Naidu Government Accelerates Major River Projects, Canal Modernisation and Water Conservation Across Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati, July 21, 2026: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched an ambitious irrigation programme worth ₹20,884 crore aimed at addressing chronic water scarcity in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region. The large-scale initiative focuses on strengthening irrigation infrastructure, modernising existing water systems, restoring reservoirs, and expanding irrigation coverage to nearly 9.80 lakh acres, while improving long-term water security across the region.
According to official estimates, the ongoing projects are expected to generate an additional 52 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water availability and stabilise irrigation over 4.37 lakh acres, making it one of the largest irrigation investments currently underway in Andhra Pradesh.
A Renewed Focus on Water Security
Rayalaseema has historically struggled with erratic rainfall, declining groundwater levels and inadequate irrigation infrastructure, forcing farmers to depend heavily on monsoon rains. While several irrigation schemes were launched over the years, ensuring consistent water supply to agricultural fields remained a significant challenge.
The Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government says its strategy is focused on completing approved projects, modernising ageing infrastructure and improving water-use efficiency rather than announcing new large-scale schemes.
Major Projects Under Implementation
The irrigation programme consists of multiple interconnected projects designed to strengthen the region’s water distribution network.
Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS)
One of the flagship projects, HNSS has received investments of around ₹3,880 crore, along with an additional ₹3,145 crore for canal strengthening. The project aims to carry Krishna River waters to tail-end areas, including Kuppam and Madakasira, while supporting irrigation across more than six lakh acres and supplying drinking water to nearly 33 lakh people.
Galeru–Nagari Sujala Sravanthi (GNSS)
The GNSS project continues to enhance irrigation facilities across Kadapa, Annamayya and Chittoor districts by improving water availability for agriculture.
Telugu Ganga Project
Originally designed to provide drinking water to Chennai, the Telugu Ganga Project also plays an important role in strengthening irrigation across Rayalaseema. The government is working to improve water utilisation and distribution, particularly in tail-end command areas.
Polavaram and Pattiseema Projects
These major river-linking initiatives are expected to optimise the utilisation of surplus Godavari waters while improving water availability in drought-prone districts and supporting Andhra Pradesh’s long-term irrigation strategy.
Other Key Projects
Several additional projects are progressing simultaneously, including:
- Vedavathi Project, aimed at improving irrigation in Alur, Adoni and Mantralayam.
- Adavipalli Reservoir, expected to strengthen water supply in Chittoor district.
- Pothireddypadu Head Regulator, where modernisation works are improving Krishna water distribution.
- Gorakallu and Alaganur Reservoirs, undergoing restoration to enhance storage capacity.
- Tungabhadra Dam and Srisailam Plunge Pool, where repair works are intended to improve operational efficiency.
- Veligonda Project, expected to strengthen water availability in parts of Kadapa while primarily benefiting Prakasam and Nellore districts.
- Jeedipalli Balancing Reservoir, being upgraded to improve storage and water regulation under the Handri–Neeva network.
Modernising Irrigation Infrastructure
Apart from major river projects, the state government has launched a ₹4,500-crore modernisation programme to upgrade Andhra Pradesh’s lift irrigation systems.
The initiative covers 1,049 lift irrigation schemes, with improvements including energy-efficient pumping systems, upgraded electrical infrastructure and enhanced maintenance mechanisms.
Officials estimate that the modernised network will provide dependable irrigation to over 8.2 lakh acres, particularly in Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kadapa, Annamayya and Chittoor districts, where lift irrigation remains essential due to the region’s terrain.
Restoring Traditional Water Bodies
Recognising the importance of groundwater recharge, the government has also prioritised the restoration of traditional irrigation tanks.
According to official data, 1,011 irrigation tanks have been identified for restoration across Rayalaseema, with 530 tanks already revived and filled. The initiative is expected to improve local water storage, enhance groundwater recharge and reduce dependence on borewells during prolonged dry spells.
A Long-Term Development Strategy
The integrated irrigation programme reflects the Andhra Pradesh government’s broader objective of improving agricultural productivity and strengthening water security in one of the state’s most water-stressed regions.
If implemented successfully, officials believe the combined impact of river projects, reservoir restoration, canal modernisation and lift irrigation upgrades could significantly improve irrigation reliability, enhance groundwater rema
While the effectiveness of these initiatives will ultimately depend on timely execution, sustained maintenance and efficient water management, the ongoing investment represents one of the most comprehensive irrigation development efforts currently being undertaken in southern Andhra Pradesh.
