Andhra govt revitalising irrigation, economy with foresight: Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu

Ramanaidu highlighted that around 3,000 TMC of Godavari water flows wastefully into the sea annually. To utilise at least a portion of it before the completion of Bankacharla Polavaram linkage project, Naidu launched the Pattiseema Lift scheme.

“Through lift irrigation schemes and canals, Godavari floodwater is diverted to Krishna delta, helping stabilise 13 lakh acres,” said Ramanaidu in an official press release, issued after the review meeting chaired by Naidu at the secretariat.

According to the minister, 263 TMC was diverted between 2014 to 2019, exceeding Srisailam reservoir’s capacity and overall 428 TMC lifted so far—more than Nagarjuna Sagar dam's full water storage capacity.

Referring to the Pattiseema project built at an outlay of Rs 1,300 crore, he said the initiative achieved "massive economic success", generating Rs 50,000 crore in revenue and safeguarged Rayalaseema from drought.

Criticising the YSRCP government, Ramanaidu said it shut down 450 lift irrigation schemes, affecting 4 lakh acres. In contrast, the TDP-led government is now restoring all 1,040 schemes and issuing tenders for maintenance.

The Minister claimed that despite limited funds, the southern state has spent Rs 700 crore on operation and maintenance work of dams since the coalition government came to power. The previous (YSRCP) government allegedly spent less than Rs 100 crore in five years.

The minister further said that Rs 14 crore has been allocated for Srisailam plunge pool restoration and another Rs 350 crore for apron repairs and Dhavaleswaram barrage gates repairs.

The alleged neglect by the YSRCP government led to dam failures, floods, and 42 deaths, said Ramanaidu.