Historic Water Extraction
The irrigation department in Vijayawada marked a significant milestone, successfully drawing 40.109 TMC of water from the Handri–Neeva project within a period of 190 days. This accomplishment surpassed
the project's original design capacity of 40 TMC, marking the highest volume of water ever extracted since the project's inception. This achievement demonstrates a remarkable advancement in water resource management and infrastructure capabilities. The record underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's operations, leading to enhanced water supply for the region.
Acknowledgment of Success
Rayalaseema region ministers Payyavula Keshav and BC Janardhan Reddy, accompanied by Rayadurg MLA Kalva Srinivasulu, visited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to express their appreciation for the achievement. Minister Payyavula Keshav recalled that between 2014 and 2019, only one pump was utilized. However, during that period, efforts were made to boost the operational capacity to six pumps. He also highlighted that, after the coalition government assumed power, the pumping capacity was further increased from six to twelve pumps. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment to infrastructure development and water resource management.
Key Infrastructure Development
Minister BC Janardhan Reddy highlighted the swift completion of the Handri–Neeva canals' widening, accomplished within a record-breaking 100 days. Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu emphasized that the Muchumarri project, an integral part of the Handri–Neeva scheme, served as a crucial turning point, enabling the successful supply of water to Rayalaseema. Rayadurg MLA Kalva Srinivasulu stated that the earlier decision to construct the Muchumarri project was pivotal in facilitating the current scale of water supply to Rayalaseema. These infrastructural projects, along with strategic decision-making, significantly enhanced water availability and distribution.
Future Goals & Targets
Following the record-breaking water extraction from the Handri–Neeva project, which surpassed its designed capacity, the Chief Minister established a new target: to draw 50 TMC of water. Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu assured the Chief Minister that measures would be implemented to transfer an additional 10 TMC of water by the end of February or the initial week of March. This would bring the total water transfer to 50 TMC, signifying a major leap in the region's water resource management and an enhanced commitment to achieving these ambitious goals within a specified timeframe.
