Irrigation – Andhra Pradesh Clears Major Modernisation Plan for Pedda Gedda Reservoir
Irrigation – The Andhra Pradesh government has cleared the way for the long-awaited modernisation of the Pedda Gedda Reservoir, a move expected to improve irrigation facilities and strengthen agricultural productivity across parts of Parvathipuram-Manyam and Vizianagaram districts.
The project received its final administrative clearance after the State Cabinet approved a revised project cost, allowing work to move forward under the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) programme. The government has sanctioned an estimated ₹73.55 crore for the upgrade, with official orders expected shortly so that execution can begin without further delay. Once completed, the project is expected to provide dependable irrigation to nearly 7,567 acres of farmland.
Reservoir Plays a Key Role in Regional Agriculture
The Pedda Gedda Reservoir is one of the most significant irrigation assets serving the region. It was originally developed to support irrigation across about 12,221 acres, covering agricultural lands in Pachipenta and Salur mandals of Parvathipuram-Manyam district, along with Ramabhadrapuram mandal in Vizianagaram district.
Despite its importance, farmers located at the tail end of the canal network have regularly faced water shortages during the Kharif season. Years of inadequate canal maintenance have reduced water flow efficiency, affecting cultivation in several villages dependent on the reservoir.
Earlier Modernisation Work Remained Incomplete
An earlier effort to renovate the irrigation system had been approved during the previous administration with a budget of ₹28.18 crore. However, only work worth around ₹3 crore was completed before the project came to a standstill.
Officials indicated that construction was halted after pending payments to contractors were not released, leaving several planned improvements unfinished. As a result, the benefits expected from the earlier modernisation programme never reached a large section of farmers relying on the irrigation network.
CADWM Programme to Improve Water Distribution
The revived project will now be implemented under the CADWM initiative, which forms part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The programme is jointly funded by the Centre and the State in a 60:40 ratio and is designed to improve irrigation efficiency while ensuring better management of water resources.
As part of the latest upgrade, the Water Resources Department plans to install underground pipeline systems alongside existing canals. These improvements are intended to reduce water losses, improve distribution, and ensure that irrigation reaches agricultural fields more effectively across the command area.
Government Pushes for Early Execution
The Andhra Pradesh government had granted administrative approval for the reservoir modernisation project in January 2026, estimating the total cost at ₹73.55 crore. With the Cabinet now approving the revised expenditure, officials are expected to begin implementation soon.
Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhyarani said she had requested Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to intervene and help expedite the project. She thanked the chief minister for taking a personal interest in the matter and for facilitating Cabinet approval, which she said would help ensure the long-pending works are finally completed.
The modernisation is expected to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water availability for farmers, and support agricultural stability in the two districts, particularly during the Kharif cultivation season.