Revival of Handri-Neeva Project Under Naidu's Leadership

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is set to examine the progress of the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project in Anantapur district. The government has committed over Rs 3,800 crore towards the canal widening and lining works spread across 554 km as part of the project's Phases I and II.

According to a press release on Thursday, the widening will boost water capacity to more than 3,800 cusecs. The initial phase targets a completion date by June 2025. During the previous TDP regime, Gollapalli, Cherlopalli, and Marala reservoirs saw major developments, enabling water to reach Madakasira and Punganur branch canals in 2019 for the first time.

However, the press release claims that critical works stalled under the YSRCP government from 2019 to 2024. Naidu, upon returning to office in 2024, rejuvenated efforts by accelerating progress over the past five months. The HNSS project aims to irrigate over 6,00,000 acres and supply drinking water to 33 lakh people across Rayalaseema.

(With inputs from agencies.)