The Andhra Pradesh government has shifted its focus to a new irrigation project to tackle drought in Rayalaseema, utilising surplus Godavari water, instead of moving forward with the contentious Polavaram-Banakacherla project.

Estimated at Rs 58,000 crore, the new scheme will transport water from Polavaram to Nallamala Sagar, part of the Veligonda project in Prakasam district. This revised plan, which is more cost-effective than the Rs 90,000 crore Banakacherla project, also replaces previous tenders for the detailed project report (DPR). A phased approach will be followed, including pumping water to the Prakasam barrage and linking it to the Nagarjuna Sagar right canal, then into Nallamala Sagar. 

The government aims to expedite water delivery with minimal cost escalation while avoiding delays. The Banakacherla phase will be considered later based on progress.