Andhra Pradesh CM releases Godavari waters via Polavaram canal

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has officially released Godavari waters to North Andhra through the Polavaram Project Left Main Canal. During a ceremony at the Payakaraopeta cross regulator in Anakapalli district, Naidu performed Jala Harathi to mark the commencement of the water flow.

The 213-km canal, constructed at a cost of Rs 4,192 crore, is designed to provide irrigation to approximately 2.87 lakh acres across four districts, including East Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, and Anakapalli. Additionally, the project aims to provide drinking water to nine lakh people.

To facilitate the water transfer across natural barriers, the Water Resources Department constructed various structures, including aqueducts and syphons at the Yeleru, Pampa, and Tandava rivers. In Anakapalli district alone, the release is expected to benefit 1.5 lakh acres and fill 110 tanks and the Yeleru canal. The project is intended to stabilize irrigation for several ayacuts, including Pushkara, Yeleru, Pampa, Tandava, Varaha, and Mamidi Gedda.