Andhra CM Naidu Commissions Handri-Neeva Canal Works
In a significant move to address the long-standing drought woes of the Rayalaseema region, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has commissioned the Handri-Neeva Phase-1 canal augmentation work. The ceremony took place on July 17, marking a crucial step towards drought-proofing the region, which has been reeling under severe water scarcity for years.
The Handri-Neeva canal project is a major irrigation scheme aimed at providing water to the drought-prone areas of Kurnool, Prakasam, and Guntur districts. The project’s Phase-1, which has been commissioned by the Chief Minister, involves augmenting the existing canal’s capacity to irrigate over 1.25 lakh acres of agricultural land.
The decision to prioritize the Handri-Neeva project is seen as a strategic move by Naidu to counter the opposition from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which has been vocal about the government’s alleged failure to address the region’s irrigation needs. The YSRCP, led by YS Jaganmohan Reddy, has been critical of the TDP government’s handling of the Handri-Neeva project, claiming that it has not made sufficient progress despite the passage of several years.
Naidu’s decision to commission the Phase-1 work of the Handri-Neeva canal is a clear indication of his government’s commitment to addressing the immediate irrigation needs of Rayalaseema. The region has been struggling with severe water scarcity due to the rapid depletion of groundwater resources and the failure of monsoon rains in recent years. The Handri-Neeva project is expected to provide much-needed relief to the farmers and residents of the region, who have been bearing the brunt of the drought.
The Handri-Neeva canal project is a Rs. 1,500 crore endeavor that aims to provide water to the Giddalur, Vemula, and Alaganoor reservoirs, which are critical for irrigating the region’s agricultural land. The project’s Phase-1 involves augmenting the existing canal’s capacity by 30%, which is expected to benefit over 1.25 lakh acres of agricultural land.
The Andhra Pradesh government has been working towards completing the Handri-Neeva project for several years. The project’s Phase-1 was initially expected to be completed by 2019, but the timeline was delayed due to various reasons, including environmental concerns and protests from local farmers.
The commissioning of the Handri-Neeva Phase-1 canal augmentation work is seen as a significant achievement for the TDP government, which has been under pressure to deliver on its election promises. Naidu’s decision to prioritize the Handri-Neeva project is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the government’s image, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The Handri-Neeva project is not only crucial for the Rayalaseema region but also for the entire state of Andhra Pradesh. The project is expected to provide a much-needed fillip to the state’s agriculture sector, which has been struggling to recover from the impact of the bifurcation of the state.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the Handri-Neeva Phase-1 canal augmentation work is a significant step towards drought-proofing the Rayalaseema region. The project’s timely completion is expected to provide much-needed relief to the farmers and residents of the region, who have been bearing the brunt of the drought. The Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to completing the Handri-Neeva project is a testament to its dedication to addressing the state’s irrigation needs and providing a better quality of life to its citizens.
