Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is seeking to expedite the implementation of irrigation projects including the issue of linking Godavari river with Krishna Delta.
According to estimates, the lift irrigation project to evacuate and lift flood water from the Godavari is expected to cost ₹1,272 crore and the power generation to draw 77 TMC of water from Godavari about ₹258 crore more, in addition to operation and maintenance charges of ₹26 crore per year. During a review meeting of the irrigation sector in the State, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite works of pending projects in the State and clear bottlenecks.
This river linkage is expected to benefit Rayalaseema to use water for domestic and industrial purposes. During the meeting, Naidu asked officials to complete the works of Polavaram main canal before the next crop season.
The Chief Minister also suggested officials to work on the possibility of Krishna-Penna rivers linkage and the possibility of including Buckingham canal.
The State Government would take up with the Central Government and explore Centre’s support under the national river-linkage project wherein the State’s projects could be covered.
The Chief Minister directed officials to work on completion of Vamsadhara, Thotapalli, Veligonda, Handi-Neeva and Gaaleru Nagari projects.
The phase one of Vamsadhara has been completed and the phase two is in progress, the latter expected to irrigate 45,000 acres. The first phase of Thotapalli project will cover ₹1.2 lakh acres. The Veligonda project awaiting forest clearance, the project should is expected to be completed by December 2016.