Naidu Sets Ambitious March 2027 Deadline to Complete Polavaram Project

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set a challenging target to complete the first phase of the Polavaram major irrigation project by March 2027. The project, which is being constructed on the Godavari River with 100% central assistance, is nearing completion. Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey of the project and inspected the works, announced that the construction of the new diaphragm wall is almost finished and will be ready by February 15. The main dam works are nearing completion, and embankment works are expected to be finished by June. The chief minister emphasized the importance of completing the Polavaram project, which will provide connectivity through the right and left canals, supply water to Visakhapatnam, and provide irrigation facilities to both Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. Naidu also highlighted the significance of the Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme, which stabilized the Krishna delta and helped to bring Godavari water to the Krishna River and subsequently to the Rayalaseema region. This initiative has transformed Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub. The chief minister described the Polavaram project as a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and expressed his ambition to complete the project and link rivers across the country. He believes that interlinking rivers will make the state drought-free and promote development across all regions. Naidu also addressed concerns over politicizing water sharing issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He emphasized that there is no need to object to the Polavaram project and that excess water from the Godavari River can be used to supply water to both states. The TDP government has already invested ₹65,000 crore in the irrigation sector, including ₹12,000 crore in the Rayalaseema region, during the 2014-19 period. State ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu and K Parthasarathi accompanied the chief minister during the Polavaram visit.