CM Naidu Vows to Turn Drought-Hit Rayalaseema into Fertile Land

Kurnool: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to irrigate the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.

Stressing that water is the key to regional development, Naidu asserted that the government would care for the region that had been neglected for years.

Naidu was addressing a public meeting at Allur in Nandikotkur constituency on Thursday after releasing water from the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Phase-1 project at Malyala in Nandyal district.

He recalled his deep connections with Rayalaseema. "I was born and brought up here. I know the sufferings due to droughts. People once feared Rayalaseema would turn into a desert. But, with numerous irrigation projects launched by the Telugu Desam, it is turning fertile."

He praised former CM and TDP founder NT Rama Rao for initiating major irrigation projects like the Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari and Telugu Ganga to uplift Rayalaseema. He said the HNSS project, first launched in 1995 at Uravakonda, had seen substantial neglect in recent years, but was now back on track.

Naidu said the HNSS project would irrigate around 6 lakh acres of farmland between Srisailam and Tirupati, covering a distance of 554km. While Rs.3,890 crore is earmarked for the completion of both Phases 1 and 2, Phase 1 canal works have been completed at a cost of Rs.696 crore, enabling a flow of 3,850 cusecs—equivalent to nearly 4 tmc-ft of water.

He said the completion of the canal works in just three months, despite delays since 2018, sent a strong message that only the TDP could make Rayalaseema drought-free.

Naidu outlined a broader vision for Andhra Pradesh, pledging to develop Amaravati into a capital like Hyderabad. He vowed to complete the Polavaram project by 2027.

Highlighting the government's welfare initiatives, he said.”We have increased pensions, launched the Thalliki Vandanam scheme for school-going children, revived 207 Anna Canteens to provide food for the poor, and issued a notification for the Mega DSC to recruit 16,500 teachers.”

He said the state would simultaneously deposit the Rythu Bharosa funds alongside the Centre’s contribution.

The CM reiterated that women would be allowed free bus travel within districts from August 15. He also explained the implementation of the Rayalaseema Declaration, which includes setting up of electronics manufacturing units, defence and drone industries and other development initiatives in the region. He reiterated promises of establishing a high court bench in Kurnool and a steel plant in Kadapa.

Responding to requests from the local MLA, Naidu announced a `60 crore package for a lift irrigation project, a model school, hospital upgradation, and employment opportunities for land oustees. However, he also admitted the government’s current financial constraints, saying the works would be completed in phases.

The chief minister pledged to complete the Vedavati project and carry out repairs to the Alaganur and Gorukallu reservoirs for the benefit of Rayalaseema farmers. On inter-state water sharing, Naidu said both AP and Telangana must work together in utilizing river waters. Surplus water should be used judiciously.

He informed that AP would soon take up plunge pool works at the Srisailam dam as discussed in the recent Delhi meeting. Water has now reached Kuppam, and Chittoor would receive the supply by next year.