Andhra Pradesh's Irrigation Revival: A Promise of Rs 140 Crore

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2026-01-30 16:26:00 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 12:20:42

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In a significant move, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has pledged a substantial Rs 140 crore for the repair and restoration of the Somasila irrigation project in Nellore district. This commitment, made during his visit to the project site, comes as a breath of fresh air for the region's farmers, who have been grappling with irrigation challenges.

The Chief Minister's visit to the Somasila project was not merely symbolic. He engaged in a direct dialogue with farmers at the Praja Vedika programme, where he criticized the previous YSRCP government for its alleged neglect of irrigation infrastructure. Naidu highlighted the irony of the previous administration's lavish spending on personal projects, such as the Rishikonda palace, while essential irrigation systems suffered. He asserted that the current government must allocate a significant Rs 300 crore for the repair of various irrigation projects across the state, with an immediate requirement of Rs 5.4 crore for urgent repairs at Somasila.

The Somasila project holds historical significance, as former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao had once expanded its capacity to benefit a vast area of farmland. Naidu recalled a critical moment in 2018 when 25 TMC of water was diverted from the Srisailam project to Somasila to rescue crops during a drought. He also assured farmers that the government would optimize the Kandaleru reservoir, which has the potential to irrigate approximately 3 lakh acres of farmland. With the state experiencing abundant water supply from upstream areas, Naidu expressed optimism about improving the water scenario at both Kandaleru and Somasila projects.

As the government takes steps to fulfill its promise, the farmers of Nellore district await the much-needed repairs, hoping for a more secure and prosperous agricultural future.

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