The Andhra Pradesh government has plans for taking up the Godavari-Banakacherla project, interlinking the Godavari and Krishna rivers. This initiative aims to address water scarcity, support agricultural activities, and mitigate drought conditions in various districts.
The project will follow a hybrid funding model involving private partnerships, besides Central and state funding. It will entail an estimated cost of Rs 80,112 crore, and is expected to be completed in three years. The project aims to provide drinking water to eight million people and ensuring additional 7.5 lakh acres of irrigated land.
The first segment involves diverting water from Polavaram project to the Krishna River. In the second segment, the government proposes to construct the Bollapalli reservoir and transfer water. In the third segment, water will be diverted from Bollapalli to Banakacharla. “While the segment-1 is estimated to cost Rs 13,511 crore, the segment-II would cost Rs 28,560 crore. In the third segment, the government will spend Rs 38,041 crore. The total cost of the project would be around Rs 80,112 crore,” Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said.
"We will complete the detailed project report (DPR) in a couple of months and tenders will be called. If funds are provided on time, the project will be completed in three years," the CM stated in Amaravati. The project has the potential to transform water distribution in the state. It will enable water supply to Nellore through the Pennar river and address drought conditions in the Prakasam district following the completion of the Veligonda project.