TPN Correspondent | Nandyal
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the release of water from the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Phase-1 main canal on Thursday, marking a major milestone in addressing irrigation and drinking water needs in the Rayalaseema region. The inaugural event was held at the Malyala Pumping Station in Nandikotkur mandal of Nandyal district, where the Chief Minister switched on two motors to commence the pumping of Krishna river water from the Srisailam backwaters.
Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu, Payyavula Keshav, BC Janardhan Reddy, and MP Baireddy Shabari were present at the ceremony. Sharing his joy on social media, the Chief Minister stated, "It is a moment of immense satisfaction to provide water to Rayalaseema farmers. We've expedited the expansion works of the HNSS main canal, increasing its capacity from 2,200 to 3,850 cusecs. This will bring significant relief to the region."
The Phase-1 expansion, completed in record time, ensures more than 40 TMC of water is now available to tackle drinking and irrigation needs in Rayalaseema. Water will be pumped from Malyala in Nandyal to Jeedipalli Reservoir in Anantapur district. The project aims to benefit over 6 lakh acres and provide safe drinking water to 33 lakh people across the four Rayalaseema districts.
The Chief Minister also revealed that the state has spent ₹3,890 crore on this project. He praised the efforts of the coalition government for completing the works within 100 days of assuming office, stating it was a significant step toward solving Rayalaseema’s long-standing water woes.
Chandrababu emphasized that water brings prosperity. “By delivering water to every acre, we can turn the region into a land of abundance,” he said, thanking all officials and stakeholders who contributed to the project’s swift completion. Phase-2 works are also planned to commence shortly, he added.
Officials noted that the release of water from HNSS Phase-1 will help fill reservoirs like Gollapalli, Marala, and Cherlopalli, and support water diversion to the Pennar–Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir from Jeedipalli. The project is expected to be a game-changer for Rayalaseema’s irrigation and water security landscape.
