Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Andhra Government Prioritizes Rayalaseema Irrigation and Drinking Water Projects
Rayalaseema has needed more drinking and farming water for a long time.
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the government is giving the region’s water projects high priority.
Several projects are being built or repaired.
These include the Nagaradona reservoir, the Vedavathi project and the Madakasira Branch Canal.
The government also increased the capacity of the Handri-Neeva canal.
This helped deliver 55 TMC of water to Rayalaseema.
Officials are also working to move Krishna and Srisailam water toward the Neeva basin and Tirumala.
The minister said emergency work at the Tungabhadra dam saved nearly 80 TMC of water.
He also said the previous YSR Congress Party administration did not give enough attention to regional infrastructure.
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the coalition government is prioritizing Rayalaseema’s drinking and irrigation water needs.
The Nagaradona reservoir project has begun with an allocation of Rs 53 crore.
Rs 1,607 crore was allocated to complete the Vedavathi project within two years.
The government spent Rs 3,850 crore to raise Handri-Neeva canal capacity and supplied 55 TMC of water to Rayalaseema.
Of Rs 27,000 crore spent statewide on irrigation over two years, Rs 13,500 crore was allocated to Rayalaseema.
- Who
- State Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Minister Savitha and the coalition government.
- What
- The government outlined irrigation projects, spending and water-management measures for Rayalaseema.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; several spending figures cover the government’s first year or the last two years.
- Where
- Alur, western Kurnool district and the wider Rayalaseema region.
- Why
- To address Rayalaseema’s long-pending drinking-water and irrigation requirements.
Current Government Position
Criticism of Previous Administration
Regional water infrastructure
Current Government Position
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the coalition government is prioritizing projects, repairs and water transfers to meet Rayalaseema’s needs.
Criticism of Previous Administration
Ramanaidu criticized the previous YSRCP administration, saying it neglected regional infrastructure.
- Nagaradona reservoir
- Work has started with an outlay of Rs 53 crore.
- Vedavathi project
- Rs 1,607 crore was allocated for completion within two years.
- Handri-Neeva canal
- Capacity was upgraded to 3,800 cusecs, enabling a reported supply of 55 TMC to Rayalaseema.
- Krishna water diversion
- Rs 1,323 crore was earmarked to divert Krishna waters into the Neeva basin.
- Madakasira Branch Canal
- Work is progressing with an allocation of Rs 700 crore.
- Rayalaseema irrigation spending
- Rs 13,500 crore of the Rs 27,000 crore spent statewide on irrigation over two years was dedicated to the region.
- Tungabhadra dam
- Emergency measures reportedly saved nearly 80 TMC of water, while 33 new gates are being installed.