Amaravati, Dec 31: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday unveiled the Swarna Andhra Vision-2047, a long-term development roadmap emphasizing water security as one of the state’s top 10 priorities. The initiative aims to address regional water challenges and ensure sustainable growth for the state.
“Ensuring water security is essential to the long-term growth of Andhra Pradesh,” Naidu said, underscoring the importance of addressing water scarcity issues affecting various regions of the state.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s legacy of water management, Naidu praised former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) as a visionary leader whose Telugu Ganga Project supplied 5 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu through a multi-state agreement facilitated under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
“NTR was a visionary leader who initiated irrigation projects to ensure water availability for future generations. During the TDP’s tenure, 90% of irrigation projects, including the Somasila project, were completed,” Naidu noted.
Despite past achievements, water-related challenges persist. Regions like Uttarandhra, despite receiving good rainfall, face water shortages due to inadequate irrigation infrastructure. Similarly, Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Nellore districts experience frequent droughts, exacerbating agricultural uncertainty.
Naidu revisited the state’s progress on the Polavaram Project, declared a national project after the state bifurcation in 2014. He recounted his insistence on merging seven mandals likely to be affected by the project into Andhra Pradesh before taking the oath as Chief Minister. This move was formalized through an ordinance signed by the President and approved in Parliament.
The CM also highlighted the stark contrast between the Krishna and Godavari Rivers in terms of water reliability. While Krishna faces overuse and full basin state allocations, the Godavari offers consistent inflows, with an annual average of 2,989 TMC of floodwater flowing into the sea.
“On average, 2,989 TMC of floodwater flows into the sea annually from the Godavari. We plan to divert 200 TMC to drought-proof the state,” Naidu said, outlining plans to channel floodwaters from the Godavari upstream of the Polavaram Dam to the Banakacherla Regulator at a rate of 2 TMC per day.
The Swarna Andhra Vision-2047 emphasizes drought-proofing Andhra Pradesh to ensure water security and sustainable agricultural incomes. By leveraging the state’s water resources, the government seeks to build a resilient infrastructure and bolster economic stability.
Naidu’s ambitious roadmap reflects a commitment to addressing regional disparities in water access and preparing Andhra Pradesh for future challenges. “Our vision is not just about water security; it is about laying the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable Andhra Pradesh,” Naidu concluded.
