---
title: "Andhra Pradesh Accelerates Irrigation Projects, Revives Lift Schemes"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/andhra-pradesh-irrigation-projects-revival-plan-5blo4
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-14T14:00:24.484Z
modified: 2026-08-14T16:30:06.293Z
language: en-IN
---

# Andhra Pradesh Accelerates Irrigation Projects, Revives Lift Schemes

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced plans to expedite major irrigation projects and revive stalled lift irrigation schemes. The Polavaram project is targeted for completion by March 2027, with significant progress reported on civil works and land acquisition.

## Key takeaways

- Andhra Pradesh aims to complete the Polavaram irrigation project by March 2027.
- The state is reviving stalled lift irrigation schemes with a 10-year operation and maintenance plan.
- Funding of ₹600 crore will be disbursed to Veligonda project-displaced families.
- The Polavaram project is also being developed as a tourism hub.
- An irrigation calendar will be prepared to monitor 36 priority irrigation projects.

The Andhra Pradesh government is prioritizing the acceleration of major irrigation projects and the revitalization of dormant lift irrigation (LI) schemes, according to Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu. He stated that these initiatives are part of a structured plan to improve water resource management across the state.

## Polavaram Project Progress

The Polavaram irrigation project is now slated for completion by March 2027, a revised deadline set by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Minister Ramanaidu reported that 90% of the project's civil works are finished, with 94% of land acquisition complete and 52% of the relocation program for affected families finalized. The overall project advancement has reached 77%. Efforts are underway to finalize remaining tasks, including resettlement and land acquisition, by December of the current year. Works on the Polavaram Left Main Canal, which saw no funding between 2019 and 2024, have received approximately ₹1,500 to ₹1,800 crore in investment since the NDA government took office. These funds have supported critical infrastructure at 11 National Highway and canal crossings. The government aims to have the canal operational by the end of August, allowing Godavari waters to reach Anakapalli.

## Veligonda Project and IDC Schemes

Regarding the Veligonda project, the Minister indicated that essential components, such as head regulators and tunnel lining, are being prioritized. Approximately 1,500 tonnes of iron have been removed from Tunnel-2, with ongoing efforts to clear the remaining obstruction. A sum of ₹600 crore is scheduled for release to families displaced by the Veligonda project, adding to the ₹318 crore already disbursed. Furthermore, the state is developing a 10-year operational and maintenance plan for its 1,040 lift irrigation schemes, of which only 150 are currently fully functional. These schemes collectively irrigate nearly eight lakh acres, but their disrepair has impacted a significant portion of the command area. A monthly work program and progress reports are mandated for 36 priority irrigation projects, alongside the creation of an irrigation calendar to track adherence to monthly targets.

## Polavaram as a Tourism Hub

In addition to its irrigation functions, the Polavaram project is being developed as a potential tourism destination. Plans include a radial survey of approximately 10,000 acres, enhancements to the spillway area, the construction of an iconic bridge, and the development of river-based tourism between Polavaram and Bhadrachalam.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/andhra-pradesh-irrigation-projects-revival-plan-5blo4
Reported from: Multiple Sources