Naidu orders comprehensive water plan for Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive water plan for Andhra Pradesh, taking into account the requirements of drinking water, irrigation and industries, and ensure strict implementation of the irrigation calendar.

Reviewing the Water Resources Department at his camp office, Mr. Naidu said there should be no compromise on the progress of irrigation projects. The plan should cover the entire water management chain, from major irrigation projects and lift schemes to distributary and crop canals. Micro-irrigation, hydel power and pumped-storage projects should also be incorporated into the plan, he said.

Mr. Naidu directed officials to take up short and long-term measures on a war footing to meet the drinking and industrial water requirements of Visakhapatnam. He asked them to expedite the supply of water through the drinking water supply canal from the Polavaram Left Main Canal to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir and ensure regular supply from reservoirs to areas under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.

Polavaram tourism plan

Mr. Naidu said ₹35,000 crore was being spent on priority projects under the irrigation calendar and directed officials to execute the works according to schedule.

Reviewing the rehabilitation and resettlement and land acquisition works for the Polavaram project, he directed officials to complete all project-related works by March next year and ensure there were no financial or other impediments.

He also called for a plan to develop Polavaram as a tourism destination. Officials were asked to make efforts to fill reservoirs in Anakapalli district to their full capacity, to the extent possible, with water from the Polavaram Left Canal.

Mr. Naidu called for making water conservation a mass movement and suggested using social media to create awareness about irrigation projects, their benefits and the importance of conserving water.

He also asked officials to take programmes such as Jaladhara-Jalaharathi to the people and explain the benefits of raising groundwater levels to encourage greater public participation.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials of the Finance and Water Resources departments attended the review.