AP CM to Release HNSS Waters in Kuppam on August 30

Quick Summary

• Event: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will release water from the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) project at the Paramasamudram tank near Kuppam on Saturday, marking a meaningful milestone for the drought-prone Rayalaseema region.
• Project Overview: The ₹4,000-crore HNSS lift-irrigation project will draw Krishna floodwaters from the Srisailam reservoir during 120 flood days, channeling up to 40 tmcft of water through a 554-km canal with 12 major lifts.
• Purpose: Once fully operational, HNSS aims to irrigate about 6.03 lakh acres and provide drinking water to nearly 33 lakh people across Rayalaseema.Eight reservoirs with a cumulative storage capacity of 9.05 tmcft are planned, supported by pumping systems with a capacity of 672 MW.
• Phases:

– Phase I: Covers Jeedipalle reservoir; irrigates around 1.98 lakh acres using 14 tmcft of water.
– Phase II: Extends to Adavipalle reservoir; designed for irrigation over an additional area of about 4.04 lakh acres with access to approximately 26 tmcft.

• branch Canal Focus: The Kuppam branch canal will stabilize irrigation in Chittoor district’s tail-end belt through minor irrigation tanks and supply drinking water to over five lakh residents in eight mandals within Palamaner and Kuppam constituencies.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The formal introduction of waters under the HNSS project signals progress toward sustainable solutions for one of India’s most drought-ridden regions-Rayalaseema. Spanning multiple districts plagued by chronic dry conditions, this comprehensive infrastructure initiative combines agriculture-focused irrigation support and vital drinking water access for millions-a twofold approach aiming at long-term impact.

The project’s design exemplifies strategic use of regional resources by channeling surplus Krishna floodwaters during active monsoon spells into reservoirs that could significantly alleviate hardships caused by recurring droughts while aiding stability in agriculture-driven livelihoods critical across mandals served by its branch canals.

Though ambitious both technologically (e.g., large-scale lift systems) and financially (₹4,000 crore), its success largely hinges upon efficient operations post-launch as well as continuous monitoring-areas requiring commitment at administrative levels given ecological unpredictability tied tap dynamics here multi-reservoir plus upstream dependence! `[Image Caption anchor: Pursal sources