Latest news with #VeligondaProject
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Water release to Jeedipalli via Handri–Neeva main canal on July 15
Vijayawada: The state government led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has made significant strides in ensuring irrigation water for Rayalaseema, with Rs 3,890 crore allocated for the Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project. During a review on Saturday at camp office, the Chief Minister evaluated major irrigation projects, including Handri–Neeva, Polavaram Left Canal, and north Andhra initiatives, alongside reservoir levels and water management strategies. Starting July 15, 3,850 cusecs of water will be released into the Jeedipalli reservoir under Phase-1 of the Handri–Neeva project, with preparations underway to ensure timely execution. This water will fill the Gollapalli, Marala and Cherlopalli reservoirs and be channeled to the Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir over 15 days. By July 31, water will flow through the Phase-2 canal to the Punganur and Kuppam branch canals, irrigating new areas in Rayalaseema following canal extension and lining works. Naidu emphasized using the full 3,850 cusecs to fill all reservoirs and tanks in the region. The Chief Minister stressed efficient water use, directing departments to implement a coordinated plan focusing on groundwater recharge, involving both the irrigation and panchayat raj departments. Officials reported that reservoirs currently hold 419 tmc ft of water, a 236 tmc ft increase from last year's 182 tmc ft, with normal rainfall in most districts except Kadapa and optimistic forecasts ahead. The Chief Minister prioritised utilising inflows through the Handri–Neeva and Pothireddypadu systems to fill Rayalaseema reservoirs, particularly in the Penna basin, ensuring irrigation for ayacut farmers before storage. He ordered immediate work on the Galeru–Nagari canal to supply water to Kadapa and tenders for Phase-2 of Handri–Neeva to reach southern Chittoor. The Veligonda Project in Prakasam district is targeted for completion by June 2026, with adequate funding assured. Polavaram Left Canal works must be completed by July 31, with all seven packages to Anakapalli finalided. Naidu also pushed for expediting north Andhra projects, including completing the Tarakarama Teertha Project within a year and finalising Thotapalli distributary works and the Vamsadhara–Nagavali linkage project. He called for accurate water auditing, to be conducted by Vassar Labs, accounting for rainfall, river inflows, groundwater, and usage for agriculture, drinking, and industry to ensure efficient resource planning.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra Water Minister raps officials for delay in works of key irrigation projects
VIJAYAWADA: Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu expressed serious displeasure over the delay in the Veligonda Project and Polavaram Left Main Canal works during a video conference on Monday. At the Water Resources Camp Office in Vijayawada, the minister ordered officials to issue notices to agencies responsible for the sluggish progress. He directed that benching and lining works inside the Veligonda tunnels be expedited. Regarding Tunnel-2, he noted that a court case was stalling the removal of the tunnel boring machine, and a technical committee is now assessing its value. The minister also instructed officials to invite tenders for the feeder canal, lining, and retaining wall works once administrative approvals are in place. For the Polavaram Left Main Canal, Ramanaidu stressed the need to speed up the construction of the highway bridge, Pampa Aqueduct, and Krishnavaram Siphon. Irrigation Advisor M Venkateswara Rao, ENC Narasimhamurthy, project CEs, SEs, and agency representatives were present in the video conference.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
WRD Minister pulls up executing agencies, officials over delays in Veligonda, Polavaram Left Canal works
Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu expressed strong displeasure over delays in the execution of works related to the Veligonda Project and the Polavaram Left Main Canal. Addressing a review meeting through a video conference with departmental officials and representatives of executing agencies on Monday, the Minister directed that notices be issued to both agencies and officials responsible for failing to adhere to the prescribed timelines. Regarding the Veligonda project, Mr. Ramanaidu instructed that benching and lining works inside the tunnels be completed as per the fixed targets. He acknowledged that a legal case was hampering the removal of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) in the second tunnel and informed that a technical expert committee has been formed to assess the machine's value. The Minister emphasised the need to immediately float tenders and commence works such as feeder canal construction, lining, and retaining wall as soon as administrative approvals are secured. In the case of the Polavaram Left Main Canal, he issued instructions to expedite challenging components such as the highway bridge, Pampa aqueduct, and Krishnavaram siphon. Agencies were directed to ramp up execution speed and ensure that progress aligns with deadlines. Irrigation Advisor M. Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief Narasimha Rao, Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers of the respective projects, senior irrigation officials, and representatives from executing agencies attended the meeting.
