A historic milestone was achieved in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district as Krishna River water finally entered the parched lands of Kuppam constituency through the Kuppam Branch Canal (KBC), reviving a decades-old dream of farmers.

The flow, which crossed V. Kota, reached Shanthipuram Mandal on 23 August, 2025, marking a turning point in the region’s irrigation history. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who had promised to bring Krishna waters to Kuppam within three months of returning to power, will formally offer “Jalaharathi” to the river on August 30.

The Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Project’s Phase II modernization, costing Rs 3,850 crore, included canal lining of the Main Canal, Punganur Branch Canal, and the 131-km KBC with three major lifts. The KBC is designed to feed 110 minor irrigation tanks, stabilizing 6,300 acres of ayacut and supplying drinking water to 4.02 lakh people across eight mandals in Palamaner and Kuppam constituencies.

Engineers worked round-the-clock under CM’s direct monitoring, ensuring timely completion, faster water conveyance, and reduced seepage losses.