-  The constructed ponds now have the combined capacity to store nearly 1 TMC of water

-  The project has also created significant rural employment opportunities under MGNREGS

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday announced a major milestone in the state’s rural development initiative, revealing that the construction of one lakh farm ponds has been completed and made available to farmers across the state.

Taking to social media platform X, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that the initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and supporting the agricultural sector, particularly in drought-prone areas. “These farm ponds have become lifelines for farmers, especially in regions grappling with water scarcity. They not only rejuvenate barren lands but also play a vital role in improving groundwater levels.”

According to official estimates, the constructed ponds now have the combined capacity to store nearly 1 TMC of water. Beyond water conservation, the project has also created significant rural employment opportunities, particularly under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Pawan Kalyan credited the success of the initiative to the enthusiastic participation of farmers who recognized the importance of farm ponds and voluntarily came forward to have them constructed on their lands. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, from senior officials in the Rural Development Department to grassroots-level field staff and MGNREGS workers for their dedicated efforts. “This achievement would not have been possible without their relentless commitment,” he noted.

The Deputy CM also acknowledged the strong support from the Union Government, particularly under the national employment guarantee scheme, which he said played a pivotal role in executing large-scale developmental works across the state.

He extended special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their continued cooperation and encouragement. He also thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his unwavering support in driving rural development at the state level.