Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced a strategic roadmap to make Andhra Pradesh a water-abundant state by 2047, emphasizing that the state’s future prosperity is tied to efficient water management. Speaking in the Assembly, he highlighted that nearly 3,000 TMC of Godavari floodwaters currently drain into the sea every year. The government plans to prevent this waste by implementing massive infrastructure projects designed to divert these surplus waters to meet the growing irrigation and drinking water needs across the state.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project, the Chief Minister clarified that the initiative utilizes only excess water that would otherwise go to waste. He asserted that the project is a “win-win” for both Telugu states, posing no threat to neighboring regions while significantly boosting the agricultural potential of the Rayalaseema and coastal belts. Naidu also reiterated his long-term dream of interlinking major rivers from the Vamsadhara to the Penna, and eventually the Ganga to the Cauvery, to create a permanent solution for drought and water scarcity.
The Chief Minister also criticized the previous administration for what he termed as “human-made disasters,” specifically citing damage to the Polavaram diaphragm wall and the premature inauguration of the Veligonda project. He committed to rectifying these failures, promising to complete the first phase of the Veligonda project by July 2025. Furthermore, he emphasized the role of technology and community participation, announcing the reinstatement of Water Users’ Associations and highlighting the state’s success in maintaining high groundwater levels, which has already resulted in significant energy savings for the state.
