Use water resources as per plan, prioritise drinking water needs, Naidu tells officials

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the Water Resources Department to manage the State’s water resources strictly in accordance with the Water Movement Plan, with drinking water requirements in both urban and rural areas accorded the highest priority.

Reviewing the functioning of the Water Resources Department at the State Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday, Mr. Naidu directed officials to formulate an action plan to optimally utilise water stored in reservoirs and tanks and the available groundwater, particularly in view of the prevailing deficient rainfall conditions.

The review covered the progress of the Polavaram and Veligonda projects, 36 priority projects to be taken up in a phased manner, water storage and releases from reservoirs, drinking water supply management, and the implementation of the Jaladhara-Jalaharathi programmes.

90% of Polavaram civil works done

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 89.9% of the civil works of the Polavaram project had been completed. Works on the Polavaram Left Main Canal were being expedited, while works on ECRF Gap-1 and Gap-2 were also progressing rapidly.

They said that despite a recent flood discharge of around 14 lakh cusecs in the Godavari, project works had continued without disruption.

Mr. Naidu directed officials to take up road connectivity and other infrastructure required for operation and maintenance of the dam site. He also instructed them to protect the Gandi Poshama temple near the project while safeguarding local sentiments.

The Chief Minister set a target of completing the balance works of the Polavaram Left Main Canal up to Visakhapatnam by March next year. In the meantime, he directed officials to fill water sources, reservoirs and tanks up to Anakapalli.

He also instructed that works on the Polavaram Right and Left Canals be taken up keeping in view a water flow capacity of 17,500 cusecs. He suggested that suitable names be identified for both canals.

Mr. Naidu called for developing areas around the Polavaram project both for productive use and as tourism destinations.

3.5 TMC water enough for data centres

Responding to concerns over water requirements of data centres, the Chief Minister said that 3.5 TMC of water would be sufficient for data centres and alleged that some people were unnecessarily spreading misinformation on the issue.

He directed officials to communicate the facts clearly to the public. Given the deficient rainfall situation, drinking water should remain the first priority, followed by ensuring that industrial requirements were not adversely affected, he said.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to create awareness among farmers against taking up six water-intensive crops during the current season, in view of the water situation.

He stressed the need to continue Jaladhara-Jalaharathi works to improve groundwater levels across the State.

Godavari water for N. Andhra, Krishna Delta

Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had abundant water resources and there was scope to draw adequate quantities of the Godavari water for both North Andhra and the Krishna Delta region, depending on requirements.

He also suggested exploring the development of inland water transport connectivity between Visakhapatnam and Amaravati.

The Chief Minister directed officials to examine ways of productively utilising lands under the control of the Water Resources Department across the State.

Mr. Naidu told the officials to complete the Veligonda project works while addressing the problems of the displaced families with a humanitarian approach.

He instructed the department to complete the 36 priority projects within the stipulated deadlines, with monthly targets fixed for each project to ensure continuous monitoring of progress.

The Chief Minister also wanted the officials to study the feasibility of providing irrigation water to the ayacut downstream of the Annamayya project.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Special Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department Shashibhushan Kumar, ENC and Chief Engineers attended the review meeting.