The Andhra Pradesh government is going to launch the ambitious Akhanda Godavari Project while accelerating efforts to complete the long-awaited Polavaram Project before the next Godavari Pushkarams, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said during a speech to farmers in Pichukulanka village of Atreyapuram in East Godavari district.
In a public gathering, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving irrigation infrastructure and sustainable water management across the Godavari Delta.
He said the Akhanda Godavari Project will provide for irrigation infrastructure development, water conservation, and growth in agriculture.
Naidu said the Polavaram Project remains one of the government's highest priorities. The national irrigation project will irrigate lakhs of acres, supply drinking water to several districts, provide hydroelectric power, and divert excess Godavari water to drought-prone areas of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government is modernising the historic Dhavaleswaram Barrage, one of the most important irrigation structures of the state.
117 new gates will be installed at the barrage at an estimated cost of Rs 152 crore as part of the upgrade. With the replacement of the aging gates, the structure will be secure, and water storage capacity and irrigation for farmers will be enhanced as well, Naidu said.
The Dhavaleswaram Barrage, built across the Godavari River, has been a lifeline for agriculture in the Godavari Delta for decades. Modernising the barrage will assist water control and ensure the efficient distribution of water to the farmers.
VIDEO | Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state government will soon launch the Akhanda Godavari Project and complete the Polavaram Project before the next Godavari Pushkarams, while highlighting major efforts to modernise irrigation… pic.twitter.com/P17SXoIVod
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Naidu said agriculture still forms the backbone of Andhra Pradesh’s economy and the government is committed to providing reliable irrigation facilities, modern infrastructure, and technological support to increase the productivity of farmers.
He added that stronger irrigation systems are necessary for water security and to protect farmers from uncertainties caused by changing weather patterns.
The combined implementation of the Akhanda Godavari Project, the completion of the Polavaram Project, and the modernisation of the Dhavaleswaram Barrage will transform the irrigation system in the state.
These projects will help to improve agricultural productivity, support rural income, and contribute to the overall economic development of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said.
Farmers at the event welcomed the announcements and expressed hope that the timely completion of the irrigation projects would ensure water availability and increase agricultural production. The government believes that the efforts will not only improve irrigation infrastructure but also create long-term contributions for future generations of farmers.
Andhra Pradesh is looking to build a more resilient irrigation system that can support sustainable agriculture while preserving the rich farming heritage of the Godavari Delta with these large-scale infrastructure projects.
