Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Integrated Water Plan, Faster Irrigation Works
Andhra Pradesh wants to make a detailed plan for using and protecting water.
The plan will cover drinking water, farming and industry.
Officials were told to complete irrigation projects on schedule.
The government is especially focused on supplying more reliable water to Visakhapatnam.
Water will be carried through a canal to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir.
The chief minister said ₹35,000 crore is being spent on priority irrigation projects.
He also asked officials to finish Polavaram works by March next.
People will be encouraged to save water and help recharge groundwater.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered an integrated water security plan for drinking, irrigation and industrial needs across Andhra Pradesh.
Officials were told to strictly follow the irrigation calendar and accelerate projects, canals, lift irrigation, micro-irrigation, hydel power and pumped-storage works.
The government prioritised permanent drinking and industrial water solutions for Visakhapatnam, including continuous canal supply to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir.
Naidu said ₹35,000 crore was being spent on priority irrigation projects and directed officials to complete Polavaram works by March next.
He called for water conservation to become a public movement, supported by awareness campaigns, social media and groundwater-recharge programmes.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed state water-resources officials to act.
- What
- Officials were instructed to prepare an integrated water security plan and accelerate irrigation, drinking-water and related projects.
- When
- The directions were issued on Wednesday; Polavaram works were ordered completed by March next.
- Where
- The measures cover Andhra Pradesh, with specific focus on Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli district and the Polavaram project area.
- Why
- The government aims to improve drinking, irrigation and industrial water supplies, complete priority works and promote water conservation.
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Priority spending
- ₹35,000 crore on projects included in the irrigation calendar
- Water plan scope
- Drinking water, irrigation and industrial requirements
- Visakhapatnam supply
- Continuous water supply through the Drinking Water Supply Canal from the Polavaram Left Main Canal to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir
- Project deadline
- Polavaram works were directed to be completed by March next
- Additional focus
- Lift irrigation, micro-irrigation, hydel power and pumped-storage projects
- Public campaign
- Water conservation, groundwater recharge and programmes including Jaladhara-Jalaharathi