It’s my dream to make Kuppam fertile, says Naidu as he welcomes Krishna waters with ‘Jalaharathi’

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday offered ‘Jalaharathi’ to the Krishna waters that reached the Kuppam Branch Canal of the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi at Gundisettipalle in Santhipuram mandal, saying: “It’s my dream to make Kuppam fertile.”

Mr. Naidu symbolically offered turmeric, ‘kumkum’ and flowers to the Krishna waters, broke a coconut and unveiled a plaque. “The arrival of the Krishna water fulfils the long-cherished aspiration of Kuppam and marks a decisive step towards a permanent solution for irrigation and drinking needs of the region,” he said, addressing a gathering of farmers and local people.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government had prioritised augmenting water resources because water availability alone would strengthen agriculture, industry and rural economy.

Water for every tank

Mr. Naidu said that the immediate goal was to take Krishna water to every small water body in the constituency and make Kuppam “sasyashyamalam” (ever-green). “Kuppam Branch Canal off-takes at 207.8 km of Punganuru Branch Canal, runs 131.2 km and ends at Paramasamudram tank near Kuppam, operating on lift and gravity with three lifts and 48 outlets. The canal is designed to feed 110 minor tanks in Palamaner and Kuppam and stabilise 6,300 acres. The capacity is 216 cusecs initially and 161 cusecs beyond the third lift,” he said.

He said that in the 2025-26 water year, water entered the branch canal on August 21 and reached Paramasamudram on August 25. Last season, 133 tanks were filled with 759.21 mcft against 110 targeted, benefiting 6,965 acres. Another 29 minor tanks received 46.15 mcft partially. “Our goal is to achieve substantial groundwater recharge and expanded cultivation. Handri-Neeva water must be used efficiently to ensure water security for farmers and drinking needs of villages,” Mr. Naidu said.

The Chief Minister directed the irrigation officials to fill all feasible tanks first, as the survey was already completed in Kuppam, Santhipuram, Gudupalle and Ramakuppam mandals and the DPR was ready at ₹439.64 crore to feed 418 minor tanks.

Model constituency

Mr. Naidu said that the action plan would bring Krishna waters to 96 tanks at ₹207.14 crore, including 200 mcft at Kalivanaka reservoir for industry, followed by Ramakuppam with 128 tanks at ₹101.83 crore, Santhipuram with 87 tanks at ₹78 crore, and Kuppam with 107 tanks at ₹63.57 crore. “The ultimate objective is to develop Kuppam as a model constituency, ensuring water security, agricultural growth, industrial development, employment generation, and a strong foundation for inclusive future growth,” he said.