The Andhra Pradesh government, under the NDA coalition led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is prioritizing the completion of the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme to address long-standing irrigation needs in the upland areas of the erstwhile West Godavari and Krishna districts. In a recent review meeting held at the camp office in Vijayawada, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu discussed the project's progress with senior irrigation officials. 

The meeting included Irrigation Advisor Venkateswararao, ENC Narasimhamurti, the project Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer, and Executive Engineers. The coalition government has set a clear target to fully complete the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme works. Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu emphasized that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is taking proactive steps to overcome the obstacles that have stalled the project. 

The minister informed that during the previous TDP regime, more than 40% of the works were completed. However, under the YSRCP administration, the project came to a complete halt. Despite instructions to obtain environmental clearances within three months (by NGT), the previous government reportedly paid no attention, leading to further delays attributed to negligence, he said. 

The scheme, originally designed by the earlier TDP government, aims to lift 53.50 TMC of surplus Godavari floodwater over 90 days during the monsoon season. Once completed, it will provide assured irrigation and drinking water to the upland (metta) regions of the combined West Godavari and Krishna districts. The project is expected to benefit a significant ayacut area, irrigating lakhs of acres and supplying drinking water to millions of people in the region.