Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Naidu to Release Godavari Water Through Polavaram Canal
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will open a route for Godavari River water in North Andhra.
He will perform a traditional ceremony called Jala Harathi at Payakaraopeta.
He will then switch on a regulator so the water can enter the canal.
The water will travel through canals, rivers and special structures such as aqueducts and siphons.
It will first help farms in four districts.
It is also expected to provide drinking water to about 5.23 lakh people.
The current release is expected to benefit 1.50 lakh acres in Anakapalli district.
The government hopes to take the water to Visakhapatnam next year and connect it to a larger regional water project later.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will perform Jala Harathi at Payakaraopeta on Wednesday before releasing Godavari water toward North Andhra.
The release will take place through the Polavaram Left Main Canal after Naidu switches on a canal regulator.
The project is expected to irrigate 2.87 lakh acres across four districts and provide drinking water to about 5.23 lakh people.
The Rs. 4,192-crore canal system carries water across the Pampa, Tandava, Varaha and Sarada rivers and through the Yeleru canal system.
The government plans to extend the supply to Visakhapatnam next year and eventually connect it with the Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi project.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the State Water Resources Department.
- What
- The formal release of Godavari water toward North Andhra through the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
- When
- Wednesday; Naidu is scheduled to arrive at Payakaraopeta at 2:20 p.m.
- Where
- Payakaraopeta in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To provide irrigation, drinking water and industrial water, and to fulfil Naidu's commitment to bring Godavari water to Anakapalli within the year.
- Canal
- Polavaram Left Main Canal
- Canal length
- 213 kilometres
- Government expenditure
- Rs. 4,192 crore
- Planned water allocation
- 23.44 TMC of Godavari water
- Expected irrigation coverage
- 2.87 lakh acres across four districts
- Expected drinking-water beneficiaries
- About 5.23 lakh people
- Tandava aqueduct
- 447 metres long, with six vents and a discharge capacity of 10,634 cusecs
