CM Naidu Orders Release Of Krishna, Handri-Neeva Waters

Vijayawada:Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday instructed that water be released to Jeedipally through Handri-Neeva Main Canal on July 15. In addition, he ordered release of Krishna water to Punganur and Kuppam branch canals by July 31.

Water from Jeedipalli will be used to fill the Gollapalli, Marala and Cherlopalli reservoirs. Jeedipalli water will also be routed to the Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir over 15 days starting July 15.

During a review meeting to assess the progress of major irrigation projects, the CM directed officials to use the full 3,850 cusecs of water released through Handri–Neeva canals to fill all reservoirs and tanks in Rayalaseema.

Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that the government has already sanctioned ₹3,890 crore for works under the Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Project. Work on the project has already been initiated.

Further, the CM reviewed the Polavaram Left Canal and projects in Uttarandhra.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that all districts except Kadapa have received normal rainfall so far. Forecasts for the coming days too are optimistic. As of now, the state’s reservoirs hold 419 TMC of water, a significant increase from the 182 TMC stored at the same time last year, representing a gain of 236 TMC.

Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need to fully utilise upcoming inflows, especially through the Handri–Neeva and Pothireddypadu systems to fill all reservoirs across Rayalaseema. He ordered immediate initiation of Galeru–Nagari canal works to supply water to Kadapa. He wanted tenders to be issued without delay for Phase‑2 of the Handri–Neeva canal to supply water to the southernmost parts of Chittoor district.

The CM directed that the critical Veligonda Project in Prakasam district be completed by June 2026 by allocating the necessary funds. He instructed that works on the Polavaram Left Canal be expedited and completed by July 31. All seven packages needed to carry water up to Anakapalli must be completed without exception, he stated.

Chandrababu Naidu called for fast‑tracking completion of irrigation projects in north Andhra. He directed that Tarakarama Teertha Project be completed within a year, He wanted finalisation of the pending works on Thotapalli distributaries. He said all outstanding works of the Vamsadhara-Nagavali linkage project must be completed. The Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi initiative should be integrated with these systems.

The Chief Minister instructed that non-functional piezometers, water‑level sensors, and rain gauge stations be made operational. He approved necessary funding for the same.

He asked the Irrigation department to maintain groundwater levels between three and eight metres across the state.