More than two lakh acres of agricultural land in North Andhra are expected to receive assured irrigation water in the coming years as the Andhra Pradesh government intensifies efforts to complete several pending irrigation projects in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently directed district administrations to accelerate the execution of irrigation works while releasing the irrigation calendar during the Collectors Conference held in Amaravati.
According to officials, the government has set an ambitious target to complete all major irrigation projects in the North Andhra region within the next three years.
Nagavali Champavati River Link Project Gains Momentum
One of the most significant projects under the government’s plan is the proposed linkage of the Nagavali and Champavati rivers, which is expected to be completed by 2027.
The river linking project is aimed at ensuring optimum utilisation of Nagavali river waters while also improving drinking water availability for Vizianagaram city, which currently depends heavily on the Champavati River.
Officials believe the interlinking of rivers will strengthen irrigation facilities and provide long term water security to the region.
At the same time the government is also pushing for the completion of the Neradi project to improve the utilisation of Vamsadhara river waters in North Andhra.
Focus on Canal Networks and Tail End Farmers
The state government has instructed irrigation officials to develop a strong distributory canal network to ensure that water from the Thotapalli reservoir reaches tail end agricultural areas in Vizianagaram and Parvatipuram-Manyam districts.
Despite the availability of abundant water in the Thotapalli project near Parvatipuram, officials say the absence of proper canal infrastructure has prevented optimal water usage in several mandals.
The government plans to expedite canal and distributory works during May and June so that farmers can benefit during the upcoming Kharif season.
Farmers Expected to Benefit in Upcoming Kharif Season
Agricultural experts and local representatives have welcomed the government’s renewed focus on irrigation infrastructure in North Andhra, describing it as a major relief for farmers in the backward districts.
Anepu Ramakrishna praised the government for releasing the irrigation calendar and prioritising irrigation projects in the region.
He stated that the completion of pending projects and the establishment of proper canal networks would significantly improve irrigation coverage, agricultural productivity and water accessibility for thousands of farmers across Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
Irrigation Push Seen as Key to North Andhra Development
The Andhra Pradesh government views irrigation expansion as a crucial component of regional development in North Andhra, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for a large section of the population.
Officials say the successful completion of the projects could transform farming conditions in drought-prone and underdeveloped areas by ensuring reliable water supply throughout the year.
With river linking projects, reservoir utilisation and canal development moving forward simultaneously the state aims to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and reduce long standing water scarcity issues in the region.