Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Marking a renewed attention to irrigation infrastructure in drought-prone Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu declared that water will be released through the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project on July 10. The CM made this announcement while reviewing field-level progress of the project at Chayapuram in Uravakonda constituency, Anantapur district.

Naidu revealed that Rs.3,873 crore is being spent on canal lining and widening works across 554 kilometers under Phases 1 and 2 of the Handri-Neeva project. Once completed, the project will provide irrigation water to 1.98 lakh acres in Phase 1 and 4.04 lakh acres in Phase 2, spanning the drought-hit districts of Kurnool, Anantapur, Nandyal, Chittoor, Kadapa, and the newly created Sri Sathya Sai district.

Recalling the origins of the project, Naidu stated that he had laid the foundation stone for Handri-Neeva on March 11, 1996, fulfilling the dream of the late N.T. Rama Rao, who envisioned irrigating the parched lands of Rayalaseema using surplus Krishna waters permitted under the Bachawat Award.

“People once called this region a desert. Now, with Handri-Neeva nearing completion, it will transform into 'Ratnala Seema' (Land of Jewels),” said Naidu, invoking past drought struggles when peanut farmers suffered losses and water camps were set up for cattle and also transported fodder from the coastal regions to save them.

Naidu did not mince words in blaming the previous YSRCP-led government for stalling progress. “In five years, they neither spent a rupee on Handri-Neeva nor did they cover potholes or desilt canals,” he said, contrasting it with his government’s revival of the project after 2014.

He added that within an hour of taking the decision to widen the project, his government issued a Government Order (GO), completing 37% of the work in record time. The CM also highlighted that the Gollapalli and Madakasira branch canals, as well as Cherlopalli and Jeedipalli reservoirs, are now functional. 

The CM laid out a transformative vision for Andhra’s irrigation, stating that completion of the Polavaram to Banakacharla linkage would revolutionize agriculture across the state. Of the 2,000 TMC of Godavari river water that flows into the sea, capturing even 300 TMC could green every acre in the state, he asserted. “This would require Rs.81,000 crore. But where there is resolve, there is a way,” he said.

In a touching moment, Naidu interacted with Parvati, a resident of Sayapuram, whose husband was incapacitated after an electric shock. Responding on the spot, Naidu promised a new house, a Rs.1 lakh fixed deposit for each of her four children, and employment for both spouses through government support and mentorship networks like P4.

CM Naidu paid a two-minute silent tribute to Murali Naik, a Telugu soldier martyred in the line of duty. Condemning the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, Naidu reiterated his belief in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong national security stance, praising Operation Sindoor and the NDA's firm anti-terror operations. “There’s no room for violence in the world. Progress should come from competition, not conflict,” he said.

The CM announced a slew of projects for Uravakonda, including a textile park, a bridge at Gottipadu, and the revival of 40,000 acres under micro-irrigation. Projects like Ramasagaram bridges, Jeedipalli, and Bhairavari Tippa will also be prioritized. He pledged rehabilitation for Jeedipalli evacuees and pledged government support for comprehensive development of Chayapuram village.

Naidu reaffirmed his long-term vision to eliminate poverty in Andhra Pradesh by 2029 through the P4 (People’s Progressive Participation Programme) initiative. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Ambedkar, Kalam, and Gandhi, Naidu said, “As they rose from humble backgrounds, I too climbed step by step. Now I want 10% of society to uplift the remaining 20%.”

By August 15, 20 lakh families will be under the care of trained P4 mentors. “If each person helps another rise, we can build a society with no poverty,” he concluded.P4 mentors like Anantayya and Ramakrishna spoke of their grassroots work. Anantayya, who grew a Rs.5,000 startup into a Rs.250 crore turnover company, pledged to provide employment and educational support to Parvati’s family. Ramakrishna shared his initiative with 1,500 students under the AP Skill Development Program.