Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Godavari Waters Reach North Andhra as Naidu Promises Growth
Andhra Pradesh has started sending Godavari River water toward North Andhra.
The water is moving through a large canal system.
This water can help farmers and provide drinking water.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the region can receive much more water in the future.
He said data centres would use only a small part of the available supply.
Some political opponents had warned that data centres could create water shortages.
Naidu called that claim misinformation.
He also said new companies, roads and railways could bring more jobs to the region.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu released Godavari waters through the Polavaram Left Main Canal at Payakaraopeta in Anakapalli.
The water will travel through aqueducts, canals and siphons to support irrigation and drinking-water needs across North Andhra.
Naidu said the canal is already bringing 2 TMC of water and can carry 2 TMC daily.
He claimed Visakhapatnam could receive up to 500 TMC, while five proposed data centres would require about 5 TMC.
Naidu predicted new industries, improved connectivity and reduced migration as North Andhra develops.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, farmers and people of North Andhra.
- What
- Godavari waters were released through the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
- When
- Wednesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- Payakaraopeta in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To support irrigation and drinking-water needs and promote long-term development in North Andhra.
Government's Water Assurance
YSRCP's Reported Concern
Water availability for data centres
Government's Water Assurance
Naidu said Visakhapatnam would not face a water shortage because the region can receive far more water than the data centres would need.
YSRCP's Reported Concern
Naidu said the YSRCP had warned that data centres could cause water scarcity, but he characterized that warning as a fake narrative and misinformation.
- Initial water flow
- About 2 TMC of water is being brought through the Polavaram canal.
- Canal capacity
- The Polavaram canal can carry 2 TMC of water per day.
- Potential supply
- Naidu said up to 500 TMC could be sourced for Visakhapatnam.
- Data-centre demand
- Five proposed data centres would require about 5 TMC of water, according to Naidu.
- Ceremony
- Naidu performed a jala harati while farmers joined the water release.
- Promised development
- The plans mentioned include highways, four-lane rail connectivity, ports, harbours and new industries.