The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹397 crore for canal repairs and desilting works as a major pre-kharif intervention, aiming to restore and strengthen the irrigation network across the state. The funds have been released with strict timelines to ensure completion before the kharif season.
Scope of the Programme
According to official data, the programme will cover 6,502 works across the state with a total outlay of ₹397.52 crore. About 1,217 works under major irrigation systems will be taken up at a cost of ₹82.73 crore, while 4,838 works under medium irrigation projects will be modernised with ₹279.02 crore. Additionally, 447 works related to flood banks and other components have been taken up at an estimated cost of ₹35.77 crore.
Details of Works
The works include large-scale desilting, removal of weed growth such as tooḍu and gurrapu dekka, and clearance of blockages to ensure smooth water flow. Officials said these measures are expected to significantly improve water conveyance efficiency across canal networks ahead of the kharif season.
Minister's Directives
Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the officials have already been directed to commence the work as soon as possible to avoid further delays. He said chief engineers to AEE-level officials will be held responsible if any delay or incompletion of works is found after the fixed deadline.
He directed that works costing up to ₹10 lakh be executed through nomination under water users' associations, enabling faster implementation at the grassroots level. Works above ₹10 lakh will be taken up through short tenders to expedite the process.
The minister also stressed that mechanical components such as gates and shutters must be inspected by assistant engineers and certified before use. All works under the water users' associations have been targeted for completion by the end of May, with continuous monitoring by chief engineers and superintending engineers.
Expected Impact
With thousands of works planned within a compressed timeline, the initiative is expected to ensure the readiness of irrigation infrastructure and water availability for farmers across key regions of the state.
