VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the urgent need for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to harness river water that flows unused into the sea, underscoring its transformative potential for agriculture and farmer prosperity in both Telugu states.
Speaking at Srisailam, after performing a ceremonial Harathi to the River Krishna and offering prayers at the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna temple, Naidu opened four gates of the Srisailam dam, releasing water downstream towards Nagarjuna Sagar.
He described water as the state’s greatest wealth, capable of alleviating farmers’ hardships and fostering a greener, more prosperous region.
Naidu called for unity beyond caste and religion, urging both Telugu states to utilise the 2,000 TMC of Godavari water flowing into the sea—200 TMC for Andhra Pradesh and 100–200 TMC for Telangana—to ensure shared prosperity and a thriving future.
He highlighted the early filling of the Srisailam Project as a significant milestone, with its 215 TMC capacity receiving daily inflows of 17 TMC.
He noted that the Tungabhadra Dam is also full, signalling a robust water supply for Rayalaseema.“Seeing Srisailam brimming like a full vessel is heartening,” he said, emphasizing the importance of revering water as a sacred resource, akin to worshipping the Ganga, to prevent drought and ensure agricultural abundance. Naidu’s vision includes transforming Rayalaseema into a “land of jewels” through strategic water management and infrastructure development.
The CM outlined a comprehensive blueprint for Rayalaseema’s growth, prioritising irrigation projects like Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari, and Polavaram, with a target completion by 2027. He recalled the TDP government’s investment of Rs 68,000 crore in irrigation from 2014–19, including Rs 12,500 crore for Rayalaseema, contrasting this with previous YSRCP government’s mere Rs 2,000 crore.