Andhra Pradesh Unveils ₹18,224 Crore Irrigation Push in 2026-27 Budget
In a significant move to prioritize water security, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister P Keshav on Saturday proposed a substantial allocation of ₹18,224 crore for the water resources department in the state's 2026-27 budget. This massive investment underscores the government's commitment to placing irrigation at the core of its growth strategy, aiming to transform the state's agricultural landscape.
From Monsoon Dependence to Climate Resilience
Addressing the pressing challenges of changing rainfall patterns and climate variability, Keshav emphasized that irrigation is not merely about constructing projects but about securing water for future generations. "We are moving from monsoon dependence to resilience through storage, restoration, and efficient distribution of water resources," he stated, highlighting a strategic shift in approach.
Criticism of Previous Regime and Infrastructure Neglect
The finance minister launched a sharp critique of the previous administration, alleging that neglect of irrigation infrastructure had left key projects stalled. He pointed to unpaid bills and poor maintenance as factors that deprived regions like Rayalaseema and north coastal districts of assured water supply. Specific examples cited included the Annamayya dam breach and damage to the diaphragm wall of the Polavaram project, which he attributed to past apathy.
Bridging the Ayacut Gap and Enhancing Efficiency
The budget outlines a comprehensive plan to bridge the ayacut gap through CADA-based operation and maintenance works, ensuring reliable water delivery even to tail-end reaches. A key innovation involves replacing open canals with smart underground pressurised piped networks, which is expected to enhance on-farm water-use efficiency to 75%. This initiative aims to achieve an overall project efficiency of 50% under the M-CADWM framework.
Restoration and Equitable Supply Initiatives
Further measures include:
- PMKSY-HKKP-RRR-III: A program focused on restoring tanks and water bodies to increase storage capacity.
- APILIP-II: An initiative designed to ensure equitable water supply to tail-end farmers, addressing long-standing disparities.
Strategic Measures for Sustainable Water Management
To bolster these efforts, the government plans to implement several strategic measures:
- Strengthening water tax collection to improve revenue streams.
- Deploying outsourcing Lascars at critical points for better monitoring and maintenance.
- Developing catchment areas to enhance groundwater recharge.
- Promoting micro-irrigation systems to boost agricultural and horticultural productivity.
Commitment to Major Projects and Drought-Proofing
Keshav reaffirmed the government's dedication to completing major irrigation projects, with a particular focus on the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link. This ambitious project is seen as crucial for drought-proofing the Rayalaseema region, providing long-term water security and supporting agricultural growth in one of the state's most vulnerable areas.
This budget allocation represents a holistic approach to water management, combining infrastructure development, technological innovation, and sustainable practices to address both immediate needs and future challenges in Andhra Pradesh's irrigation sector.
