Andhra Pradesh government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Polavaram irrigation project by December 2027, with a possible early finish by June 2027, according to Special Chief Secretary (Water Resources) G. Sai Prasad.

Addressing a District Collectors’ conference, he stressed that the state’s top priority is to achieve drought-free status by ensuring water availability across all sectors. Highlighting the challenges posed by climate unpredictability, including irregular rainfall and cloudbursts, he urged officials to strengthen water conservation, effective use of resources, and groundwater recharge.

Currently, reservoirs in the state are 89 percent full. The government is also reviving 38,457 medium irrigation tanks with Union government assistance, of which 5,815 have been completed. Special focus is being placed on 7,762 villages where groundwater levels have fallen below eight mtrs. Additionally, work on seven irrigation projects worth Rs 9,221 crore is progressing to stabilise over 3.21 lakh acres of ayacut. The Polavaram left main canal is expected to be ready by October, extending water supply up to Anakapalli.