Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to undertake the construction of irrigation projects across Andhra Pradesh on a priority basis, with a clear mandate to complete the Veligonda and North Andhra irrigation projects within the current year.

Reviewing the progress of key government programmes and infrastructure projects at the Camp Office, the Chief Minister said the State had successfully completed the widening works of the Handri-Neeva canal within the stipulated timeline last year and significantly accelerated the construction of the Polavaram project. “A similar sense of urgency must be maintained in 2026 to ensure the completion of major irrigation projects,” he asserted.

The review meeting, attended by ministers and senior officials, focused on irrigation initiatives including the Nallamala Sagar project, horticulture development in Rayalaseema, implementation of the Purvodaya Scheme, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects across departments, Jal Jeevan Mission works, and utilisation of SASCI funds.

Ahead of his proposed visit to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, the Chief Minister instructed departments to intensify monitoring of ongoing schemes and submit comprehensive progress reports immediately upon his return.

Highlighting the importance of the Purvodaya Scheme, Chandrababu Naidu said it holds the potential to transform nine districts across Rayalaseema and Prakasam region. He directed officials to promote horticulture cultivation across two lakh hectares this year and to strengthen supporting infrastructure such as irrigation systems, road connectivity, logistics networks, warehousing facilities and cold-chain infrastructure. District-wise action plans are to be prepared accordingly.

The Chief Minister noted that the Union Government is prepared to extend ₹40,000 crore under the Purvodaya Scheme and urged departments to design additional viable projects to maximise central assistance.

Emphasising water security, he called for completing irrigation works without delay and filling reservoirs and tanks wherever possible. On the Nallamala Sagar project, he directed officials to hold consultations with the Centre and neighbouring states to secure approvals and avoid inter-state disputes. He reiterated that unused floodwater flowing into the sea should be harnessed jointly by both Telugu states.

Chandrababu Naidu also instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive list of projects to be taken up under the PPP model, with around 290 projects proposed in the first phase. Plans should be finalised to commence works from the next financial year, he said.