* *The satisfaction of giving water to Rayalaseema is unforgettable
*
* *I am someone who has witnessed the droughts of Seema and the unrelenting struggles of its farmers—someone who believes that water has the power to transform lives.*
* *NTR was the visionary behind Seema’s water projects. Their implementation is my responsibility.*
* *Did the previous government spend even a single rupee on Handri-Neeva?*
* *We do not see welfare as a favor—it is our duty.*
* *For Rayalaseema, they play vote-bank politics. For me, it is a mission of development.*
* *There should be no conflict between Telugu states over water—let us share it harmoniously.*
* *CM releases water to Handri-Neeva through three pumps from Mallelapadu Pumping Station*
* *Chief Minister joins farmers for the Jalaharati ceremony*
* *Commends ministers and officials for completing project works in record time*
Nandikotkur, July 17 (prajaamaravati):
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu declared that providing water to Rayalaseema brings him unmatched satisfaction, an unforgettable moment in his life. Calling it a historic and auspicious occasion, he released water under Handri-Neeva Phase-1 from the Mallelapadu Pumping Station in Nandyal district on Thursday, followed by his participation in the Jalaharati celebration. Addressing a gathering of beneficiaries, he shared his thoughts and vision.
*I understand the drought and the hardships of Seema*
The Chief Minister said this milestone is another step in the long journey of bringing abundant water to Seema. He emphasized that water alone can rewrite the destiny of the region.
"I’ve had the honor of serving as Chief Minister four times, overseeing countless development programs. I was born and brought up here—I know Seema’s droughts, I’ve seen the pain of its farmers. When groundnut crops failed in Anantapur, I provided input subsidies. When cattle had no fodder, we brought in grass from distant areas to save them. There was a time when people feared Rayalaseema would turn into a barren desert. When Rayadurg was drying into desolation, we spent hundreds of crores to reverse the tide."
*NTR rewrote the history of drought-hit Seema*
Chandrababu Naidu recalled how NTR changed the fate of drought-prone Rayalaseema when few believed water could ever reach it.
"NTR was the visionary who initiated projects like Handri-Neeva, Galeru-Nagari, and Telugu Ganga. In discussions with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he boldly stated that he would release water to Chennai only after Seema was served. In 1995, I inaugurated Handri-Neeva at Uravakonda—a moment many thought impossible. After assuming office in 2024, I immediately sanctioned ₹3,890 crores to widen canals and ensure water reaches the last acre. Within just 100 days, we completed the works and powered up the pumps. In the next 15 days, I will ensure every tank is filled."
*This is our commitment to Seema*
Once Handri-Neeva Phase-2 is completed, irrigation water will reach six lakh acres, the Chief Minister assured.
"A canal carrying 3,850 cusecs can deliver almost 4 TMC of water. Today, our capacity has grown to 40 TMC. On this auspicious day, I extend heartfelt wishes to all farmers. I also congratulate ministers, public representatives, irrigation officials, and construction teams. GOOD JOB AND BIG CONGRATULATIONS. When good work is done, it must be recognized. This achievement was made possible by your dedication, sincerity, and relentless efforts. We will ensure that six lakh acres in Seema receive water—an unprecedented feat. We’ll fill the Krishna-Giri and Pattikonda reservoirs in Kurnool, and the Jeedipalli reservoir in Anantapur."
*We will complete Handri-Neeva Phase-2 soon*
The CM announced that Phase-2 of Handri-Neeva will soon be completed, bringing water to reservoirs in Satya Sai and Annamayya districts.
"Reservoirs like Marala, Gollapalli, and Cherlopalli in Satya Sai, and Srinivasapuram and Adivipalli in Annamayya will soon be filled. Challenges are not new to me. Once I start a task, I do not stop until it is done—that is my nature. When Kia was considering relocating from Bengaluru to Anantapur, people questioned how an industry could survive without water. Within just eight months, we completed the Gollapalli reservoir and its canals. Kia Motors became operational."
*Six lakh acres for irrigation, drinking water for 33 lakh people*
With Handri-Neeva expansion, an additional 17 TMC of water will be transferred in just four months, boosting groundwater and transforming agriculture.
"Phase-1 delivers water to 77,094 acres in Kurnool, 2,906 acres in Nandyal, and 1,18,000 acres in Anantapur—totaling 1,98,000 acres. Phase-2 will irrigate 33,617 acres in Anantapur, 1,93,383 in Satya Sai, 37,500 in Kadapa, and 1,40,000 in Chittoor—together reaching 4,04,500 acres. Altogether, we are irrigating six lakh acres across Kurnool, Anantapur, Kadapa, and Chittoor. Supplying drinking water to 33 lakh people is a moment I will cherish forever. When I said water would flow from Nandikotkur to Chittoor, many mocked. Today, TDP has fulfilled NTR’s dream."
*A chance to deliver*
"People often ask why leaders seek one chance. I have spent 45 years in politics. Every time I became Chief Minister, I focused on projects, industries, roads, jobs, and better lives. Between 2014 and 2019, we invested ₹12,500 crores in Seema. In contrast, the last five years saw only ₹2,000 crores spent—despite all the rhetoric. Some leaders speak of Seema but spread division and tension. People must judge who truly served Seema."
Filling projects isn’t a movie shoot
The Chief Minister recalled how tenders called in 2018 to widen Handri-Neeva canals were cancelled by the previous government.
"They claimed they’d carry 10,000 cusecs but didn’t spend even ₹10. At Kuppam, they staged a drama—canals with no water, water brought in tractors for a staged shoot. It was nothing but a movie set. We do not believe in such theatrics."
*Water to Kuppam this year, Tirupati next year*
"While TDP built every major project, YCP has only destroyed. We will move forward with Handri-Neeva, Potireddypadu, Muchumarri, and Gandikota projects. River linking is my life’s mission. This year, rains were delayed—but thanks to rain in Karnataka and Maharashtra, water reached Srisailam in July. We released it into canals. Completing Polavaram and linking rivers will end droughts forever. We saved the Krishna Delta by storing Godavari water at Srisailam and released 120 TMC to Seema. Today, Seema’s reservoirs are full even before monsoon. Soon, we will turn Seema into a land of gems."
"One canal from Srisailam will go to SRBC, another to Muchumarri, and a third to Mallelapadu–Handri-Neeva. SRBC will reach Banakacherla, then Telugu Ganga, Somashila, and Kandaleru. Handri-Neeva will connect Anantapur, reach Pattikonda and Alur in Kurnool, and flow to Gollapalli and Srinivasapuram in Chittoor. On the Pennar River, we will develop PABR, Mid Pennar, Chagallu Barrage, Paidipalem, CBR, and Sarvaraya Sagar. Elsewhere, we’ll complete Nagari, Galeru, Gandikota, and Myilavaram projects. Eventually, this water will travel 600 km to reach Tirupati."
*Gratitude to God With Jalaharati*
"Krishna waters that begin at Srisailam Mallanna will flow to the feet of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. We are not only easing the lives of farmers—we are uniting two sacred places through Jalaharati. Politics will come and go. When NTR promised water to Seema, some leaders demanded that Krishna water be stopped. But NTR, true to the spirit of Bachawat Award, ensured Seema got its due. I too have faced hurdles—but I carry only the people's interest in my heart. No curse, threat, or storm will deter me. My goal remains the same: people’s welfare."
*Rayalaseema—the state’s pride and jewel*
"The NDA government is committed to turning Rayalaseema into the pride of Andhra Pradesh. For some, Seema means politics and bloodshed. For me, Seema means water, progress, and people’s future. We will implement the Rayalaseema Declaration made during our padayatra. Seema will one day surpass Konaseema in per capita income through horticulture and industry."
"While promoting agriculture, we are building industries—auto, aerospace, defense, drones, and green energy. I’ve discussed these during my Delhi visit. Between Orvakallu and Lepakshi, we will bring electronic, defense, and aerospace sectors. We are investing ₹5,000 crores in Kopparthy and Orvakallu industrial nodes. A Drone City in Orvakallu–Kurnool will manufacture drones for the entire nation. A High Court bench will be set up in Kurnool, and the Kadapa steel plant will begin operations soon."
*Telugu State Must Share water Harmoniously*
"At the Delhi meeting of Telugu state Chief Ministers, we discussed water issues constructively. There’s no need for conflict—we should operate on a give-and-take basis. The Godavari Board is being set up in Hyderabad, and the Krishna Board in Vijayawada. We are funding Srisailam plunge pool works ourselves. We’ve asked Telangana to use Godavari waters and cooperate on river-linking. If both states harness the water flowing into the sea, droughts in Seema and Telangana will be a thing of the past."
"I served as Chief Minister for nine and a half years in united Andhra, and ten years as Opposition Leader. Post-bifurcation, I’ve led the new Andhra as CM. I work for the people—and I will not let minor obstacles stop our march toward development."
*The first step in good governance*
"In the 2024 elections, people gave us a resounding mandate—a 93% strike rate. We are fulfilling our promises. From the 1st of every month, pensions are reaching the poor on time. They promised Amma Vodi for all and failed. We saluted every mother and delivered."
"We restarted 207 Anna Canteens to feed the poor. Soon, every constituency will have one. By August 20, teachers will be appointed in every school. Under Rythu Bharosa, money will be credited to farmers. From August 15, women will get free bus travel. We’ve signed MoUs worth ₹9.5 lakh crores, creating 8.5 lakh jobs. We’ll offer unemployment allowances too. This is not just hard work—it’s our promise kept."
*Rayalaseema was used for vote politics*
"While some used Seema for votes, TDP served it with sincerity. No one in history gave ₹4 per kg for KG mango crop. But a former Chief Minister staged a drama—bringing mangoes from a party leader’s orchard and crushing them on roads. Do such people deserve to be in politics? A man who called himself Ajaata Shatru killed wisdom itself. If they can frame a Chief Minister, what safety is there for common people? You saw how they blocked the CBI at Kurnool hospital. They even created a scene at a rowdy-sheeter’s home. People must stay alert against such forces."
*Responsibility for Nandikotkur’s development*
"Every acre in Rayalaseema will receive water enough for two dry crops a year. We’ll accelerate Vedavati project works. ₹90 crores has been sanctioned for Gorakallu repairs, and ₹36 crores released for completing the Alaganoor reservoir. Farmers proposed a lift irrigation scheme at the 19th km of the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Canal in Mittur—benefiting 6,000 acres. ₹60 crores will be released soon. A model school and hospital will also be built for the constituency.
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