In a significant move to address drinking water and irrigation needs across five mandals, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved the expansion and modernisation of the Guntur channel.

The project will allow Guntur city and Mangalagiri-Tadepalli civic bodies to draw more water from the Prakasam Barrage. The government has released Rs 30 crore for the first phase, with a total project outlay of Rs 75 crore, while the irrigation department estimates at least Rs 625 crore is needed for full completion.

The 47-km channel, considered the lifeline of Guntur district, was originally designed to supply 3.2 tmc ft of irrigation water and 1.42 tmc ft of drinking water. It will be extended to 75 km, enabling irrigation for about 48,000 acres and ensuring additional drinking water for around 33 villages.

Farmers had long demanded the project as tail-end fields were deprived of water. The government has fast-tracked the plan, which will also raise inflows from 600 to 750 cusecs and add a surplus regulator to manage excess water.