Pattiseema Pumps Godavari Water to Revive Krishna Delta

Reinforcing Andhra Pradesh's strategy to secure water resources ahead of the Kharif cropping season , the state government on Wednesday began diverting Godavari waters to the Krishna Delta through the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme . Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu inaugurated the pumping operations, describing the project as a crucial lifeline for farmers and a key component of the state's long-term water management strategy.

The minister switched on the pumps at the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme in Eluru district and the Tadipudi Lift Irrigation Scheme in East Godavari district . He also offered Jala Harathi to the Godavari River at both locations, marking the commencement of water release for irrigation.

Addressing the gathering, Ramanaidu said the Pattiseema project reflects the foresight of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , who envisioned transferring surplus Godavari waters to the Krishna basin until the Polavaram Project is fully completed. Commissioned in 2016, Pattiseema became India's first operational river-linking project , enabling the diversion of floodwaters through the Polavaram Right Main Canal and ensuring irrigation support during periods of water scarcity.

The minister said the ₹1,300-crore project has so far transferred 442 TMC of water to the Krishna Delta, helping generate agricultural output worth nearly ₹50,000 crore . He noted that the scheme has played a vital role in protecting lakhs of acres of farmland and sustaining agricultural productivity whenever water availability in the Krishna basin declined.

Ramanaidu also criticized YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy , recalling that the project had once been ridiculed by the opposition. He said the scheme has since proved its value by supporting irrigation at a time when major reservoirs, including Almatti , Srisailam , and Nagarjuna Sagar , are witnessing depleted storage levels. He added that the government would divert 8,000 cusecs of water daily from the current Godavari inflows to the Krishna Delta to meet irrigation requirements.

Highlighting emerging climate concerns, the minister said the coalition government has drawn up advance plans to tackle the possible impact of Super El Niño , which is expected to increase the risk of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells. As part of its preparedness, the government has been implementing the 'Jaladhara–Jalaharathi' programme, a 100-day campaign aimed at restoring water bodies, improving groundwater recharge and promoting scientific water conservation. He said the initiative has already completed 98 days .

Citing expert assessments, Ramanaidu said a one-metre increase in groundwater levels could add nearly 99 TMC of water to the state's reserves. He also credited efficient reservoir management for enabling the government to retain 28 TMC of water in the Pulichintala Reservoir , strengthening Andhra Pradesh's buffer against potential water shortages.

The minister further noted that experts have reported exceptionally weak Godavari inflows by early July , an unusual trend not witnessed in decades, underscoring the growing impact of climate variability on water availability. Against this backdrop, he reiterated that the government would accord top priority to drinking water , followed by irrigation.

Appealing to farmers to support the state's conservation efforts, Ramanaidu urged them to adopt water-saving irrigation practices , use available water judiciously and shift to less water-intensive crops wherever feasible to ensure sustainable agriculture during the current season.