Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his vision to connect rivers across the state from Vamsadhara to Penna, likening it to the transformative impact of India’s Golden Quadrilateral on road networks. He emphasized completing 36 priority irrigation projects in the next three years, investing Rs 35,000 crore for this endeavor.
Naidu highlighted the potential wealth generation by efficiently utilizing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes instead of letting it flow into the sea. He credited the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project for benefiting farmers in the Krishna Delta by redirecting 450 TMC of Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna River since 2015, stabilizing irrigation and contributing to wealth creation.
The Chief Minister praised Pattiseema for greening the Krishna Delta and ensuring prosperity by enabling Godavari waters to reach the Krishna River. He noted the successful completion of the project within a year at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore, providing irrigation to 13 lakh acres despite initial criticism. Naidu reiterated the government’s commitment to irrigation development, citing investments of Rs 68,000 crore from 2014 to 2019 and an additional Rs 24,000 crore since 2024.
On the occasion of Dr. K.L. Rao’s 124th birth anniversary, Naidu paid tribute to the eminent engineer and highlighted his contributions to major irrigation projects like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams. He mentioned organizing programs to inspire future engineers with Rao’s legacy and his international expertise in water management for the United Nations.
