The state government has successfully completed the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Phase-1 canal expansion, ushering in a new era of water boost for Rayalaseema.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will release water into the expanded canal at the Malyala Pumping Station in Nandyal district.With an investment of Rs 696 crore, the canal’s flow capacity has increased from 2,200 cusecs to 3,850 cusecs, enabling the transport of an additional 1,600 cusecs of water. This will fill the Jeedipalli Reservoir to capacity, ensuring irrigation for farmlands and drinking water supply for 33 lakh people across Kurnool, Anantapur, and Chittoor districts.

The 216-km canal expansion will also recharge local reservoirs at Krishnagiri, Pattikonda, and Gajuldinne, improving groundwater levels. For the first time in 12 years, the region can utilise its 40 TMC floodwater allocation.Phase-1 will irrigate 2,906 acres in Nandyal, 77,094 acres in Kurnool, and 1.18 lakh acres in Anantapur. Phase 2 will expand coverage to 2.27 lakh acres in Anantapur, 37,500 acres in Kadapa, and 1.40 lakh acres in Chittoor, with Rs 3,890 crore allocated for both phases.