Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to prepare a strategy for utilizing Godavari waters after the completion of the Polavaram Project. He stressed the efficient distribution of water from the main canals to reservoirs and tanks for irrigation and other purposes. The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting with Water Resources department officials to assess the progress of key irrigation projects, including Polavaram and others like Veligonda and Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi.
He also evaluated initiatives focused on groundwater enhancement and programs like Jaladhara and Jal Harathi. Naidu urged officials to expedite work on North Andhra projects such as Tharakarama and Mahendratanaya, setting deadlines for river interlinking projects. He directed the initiation of tenders for the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara River and proposed transforming the Polavaram Project into a prominent tourist spot with various amenities.
Plans include introducing boating services and developing attractions from Polavaram to Papikondalu and Bhadrachalam. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to hasten project completion before the Godavari Pushkarams and set a deadline for the Veligonda stage-I project. Officials reported positive developments in diverting Srisailam backwaters to Rayalaseema and an increase in groundwater availability compared to the previous year. Naidu highlighted statewide improvements in groundwater levels and availability within specific depths across villages.
