Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a major step towards sustainable water conservation, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched a statewide initiative to construct farm ponds across agricultural lands. The project, which is being implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), aims to build 1.55 lakh farm ponds at an estimated cost of Rs 930 crore.

Marking the occasion of World Water Day, Pawan Kalyan laid the foundation stone for the initiative at Poodicherla village in Orvakal Mandal, Kurnool district. As part of the ceremony, he performed a ground-breaking ritual on the farmland of local farmer Soora Rajanna, who owns 1.30 acres of agricultural land. Demonstrating his commitment to rural employment and water conservation, the Deputy Chief Minister personally took part in the digging process alongside laborers.

The initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by ensuring water availability for irrigation, reducing dependency on unpredictable rainfall, and improving groundwater recharge. Speaking at the event, Shri Pawan Kalyan emphasized the importance of farm ponds in enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating the effects of drought.

“Water conservation is the need of the hour. By constructing these farm ponds, we are taking a major step towards ensuring sustainable farming and empowering our farmers. This initiative will not only support irrigation but also provide employment opportunities under NREGS,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the recent electoral victory of the coalition government, stating that the people of Andhra Pradesh had entrusted them with a historic mandate. “The people have given us a resounding victory, winning 164 out of 175 Assembly seats and securing 21 MP seats. This is a testament to their faith in our leadership and vision for the state,” he remarked.

He further lauded Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, calling him his inspiration and a leader dedicated to the state's development. “Chandrababu Naidu wants the state to prosper, and I draw inspiration from his leadership. His experience is invaluable, and I sincerely wish he serves as Chief Minister for 15 years to bring Andhra Pradesh to new heights,” he stated.

Furthermore, Pawan Kalyan credited the success of the 'Palle Panduga' (Village Festival) to the efforts of Chandrababu Naidu and stressed the urgency of addressing water scarcity in Rayalaseema. “Rayalaseema has long suffered from water shortages, and there is a lack of proper storage infrastructure despite heavy rainfall. Our goal is to complete all 1.55 lakh farm ponds by May so that they can store up to 1 TMC of water during the monsoon season,” he explained.

Highlighting the government's commitment to rural development, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that under his leadership, a record-breaking 13,326 gram sabhas were conducted in a single day to outline developmental priorities. “We have identified key projects for rural development, setting a new global benchmark. Our administration has provided employment to 97.44 lakh laborers across 52.92 lakh families in their home villages,” he noted.

He criticized the previous government, stating that it built only 4,000 roads in five years, whereas the NDA-led government has constructed nearly 4,000 km of roads within just eight months. “We have ensured that every tribal village with a population of over 100 people now has proper road connectivity. Additionally, we have improved electricity, drinking water facilities, and other essential infrastructure in tribal areas,” he asserted.

The farm pond construction project is a part of the Andhra Pradesh government's broader efforts to promote sustainable water management practices, enhance rural employment, and improve agricultural resilience. Officials have assured that the work will be executed efficiently to benefit farmers across the state.