Andhra Pradesh to spend ₹632 crore for the restoration of 789 lift irrigation schemes

The Andhra Pradesh government will spend ₹632.07 crore to revive 789 defunct lift irrigation schemes across the state. According to a report by 'The Hindu', Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting on irrigation projects and lift irrigation schemes at his camp office on Wednesday. In this meeting, he gave clear instructions that all repair work must be completed by June 2027, so that farmers can get irrigation facilities during the upcoming Kharif crop season.

The Chief Minister asked officials to conduct field inspections on an urgent basis, initiate the tender process, and undertake repair work without delay. Officials from the Water Resources Department informed the Chief Minister that the restoration of these schemes would provide irrigation benefits to approximately 7.49 lakh acres of land. He also instructed them to establish a robust system for the proper operation and maintenance of these schemes. For this purpose, the Jalaharathi Corporation has been asked to maintain continuous monitoring and, if necessary, appoint a Chief Engineer or Superintending Engineer in every district.

Important discussions regarding the use of solar energy also took place in this meeting. Officials stated that out of the 5,565 acres of land available with the Water Resources Department, 4,061 acres are suitable for setting up solar power plants, which can generate 877.3 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, plants with a capacity of 25.8 megawatts can be set up using 110 acres of land at 84 locations under the Irrigation Development Corporation. Thus, solar energy generation is possible on a total of 4,171 acres of land with a combined capacity of 903.1 megawatts.

Chief Minister Naidu also suggested exploring the possibilities of generating solar and hydroelectric power by utilizing canal infrastructure. He asked officials to prepare a plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply to lift irrigation schemes during the agricultural season. At the same time, he also asked them to explore the possibilities of generating revenue by selling surplus electricity to the grid. He emphasized creating wealth generation opportunities by integrating the transport, power generation, solar energy, and agriculture sectors.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed officials to study the possibilities of establishing a 'Water Regulatory Commission' along the lines of the Electricity Regulatory Commission. He stated that there is a need for a regulatory mechanism for the irrigation sector, just like the port and power sectors. Referring to major projects like the Ganga-Cauvery river linking, he said that it could make water resources available for transport, power generation, industries, and agriculture. Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and senior officials of the Water Resources Department were present at the meeting.

N. Chandrababu Naidu is serving as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is the head of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and has previously served as the Chief Minister of the state. He is known for the development of infrastructure and irrigation projects in the state.