When Will Water from the HNSS Project Be Released?
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Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the Handri-Neeva Srujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project will release water by July 10, aiming to transform the drought-stricken Rayalseema region. This initiative will boost irrigation across nearly 600,000 acres, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy.
Key Takeaways
- Water release from the HNSS project is scheduled for July 10.
- The project aims to irrigate over 600,000 acres of land.
- The government has invested Rs 3,873 crore for the project's completion.
- Compensation has been provided to farmers for crop losses.
- Phase-1 and Phase-2 will significantly enhance irrigation facilities in Rayalseema.
Amaravati, May 9 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, declared on Friday that water from the Handri-Neeva Srujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project, located in the Rayalseema region, is set to be released by July 10.
The state government is investing Rs 3,873 crore for the construction of a 554 km long canal along with other developments under the first and second phases.
The Chief Minister personally evaluated the progress of the Handri-Neeva Srujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project at Chayapuram in Anantapur district.
Chandrababu Naidu expressed disappointment that the project had stalled due to the previous government's lack of commitment but noted that since the TDP-led NDA took office, the pace of work has significantly increased.
He is optimistic that once the Polavaram-Banakacherla project is finished, the entire Rayalaseema area will be liberated from the threat of drought, ensuring that every acre in the state receives necessary irrigation water.
Chandrababu Naidu reminisced about laying the foundation stone for the Handri-Neeva project on March 11, 1996, which was a vision of TDP founder NT Rama Rao (NTR). At that time, the Rayalaseema region faced severe water scarcity, and many feared it would become a desert. NTR was instrumental in boosting the people's confidence, he recalled.
NTR recognized the potential to harness surplus water for the state and aimed to transform Rayalaseema through initiatives like Handri-Neeva, Galeru, Nagari, and Telugu Ganga.
Emphasizing his commitment to transforming the district's landscape, the Chief Minister announced that compensation has been provided to farmers for crop losses as reported by local leaders. He asserted that he intends to convert Rayalaseema from a land of stones to a land of pearls.
Stressing the importance of water availability, the Chief Minister mentioned that he issued a government order (GO) within an hour of promising to widen the Handri-Neeva project. He pointed out that 37 percent of the project work has already been completed.
He noted that Rs 70,000 crore was allocated for irrigation from 2014 to 2019, with Rs 12,441 crore specifically for Rayalaseema, which included Rs 4,200 crore for Handri-Neeva.
Arrangements are in place to secure 40 TMC feet of water, and the project is expected to be finished this season.
Upon the completion of phase-1, a total of 198,000 acres will benefit from irrigation, including 77,094 acres in Kurnool district, 2,906 acres in Nandyal district, and 118,000 acres in Anantapur. Phase-2 will provide irrigation to 404,500 acres, significantly improving the financial well-being of farmers in the region.
Point of View
The focus on improving agricultural productivity is commendable. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and can potentially reshape the economic landscape for farmers in the region.
NationPress
09/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Handri-Neeva Srujala Sravanthi project?
The Handri-Neeva Srujala Sravanthi project is an irrigation initiative in Andhra Pradesh aimed at providing water to the drought-affected Rayalseema region.
When will water from the HNSS project be released?
Water from the Handri-Neeva project is expected to be released by July 10.
How much land will benefit from this project?
The project will irrigate a total of 198,000 acres in phase-1 and 404,500 acres in phase-2.
What is the budget for the project?
The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated Rs 3,873 crore for the Handri-Neeva project.
Who initiated the Handri-Neeva project?
The project was initially envisioned by TDP founder NT Rama Rao in 1996.
