Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Wednesday asserted that construction of the Polavaram irrigation project has gained significant momentum under the present coalition government, with 13 percent of the works completed in the last 18 months alone.

Speaking to the media after reviewing irrigation projects at the camp office, the Minister said overall progress on the Polavaram project has now reached 87 per cent. He stated that the government remains committed to completing the national project by the end of 2027 and dedicating it to the nation.

Responding to criticism from the opposition YSR Congress Party, Ramanaidu said the party had little moral authority to comment on Polavaram. He recalled that between 2014 and 2019, when the Telugu Desam Party-led government was in power, nearly 72 percent of the project works were completed. “In contrast, during the subsequent five years, progress was minimal. After the coalition government came to power, we completed another 13 percent within just one and a half years,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the reconstruction of the diaphragm wall, describing it as a critical component of the project. Of the total 1,032 metres of the new diaphragm wall, 83 percent has already been completed, he said, adding that the work is progressing steadily after the earlier structure was damaged.

On rehabilitation and resettlement, Ramanaidu said the government released ₹1,894 crore within a year for displaced families, calling it an unprecedented step. He credited Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu for prioritising relief and rehabilitation alongside construction.

Looking ahead, the Minister said the Polavaram Left Main Canal works are on track and water will be supplied up to Anakapalli by 2026. He reiterated that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the project and has directed officials to complete it well before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, if possible.

Ramanaidu also reviewed progress on other major irrigation projects. He said the government aims to complete the Veligonda project before the 2026 irrigation season. The Chief Minister is scheduled to inspect the Veligonda works in the first week of January and inaugurate the ₹456-crore feeder canal project.

Further, the Minister said projects such as Handri-Neeva in Rayalaseema and several irrigation schemes in North Andhra are being executed with clearly defined timelines. “The coalition government is determined to complete all major irrigation projects within the stipulated period and ensure water security across regions,” he said.