Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that 89% of the Polavaram irrigation works are done and the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage will have 117 new gates installed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram, with a budget of ₹152.95 crore for the gate replacement.
Key Takeaways
- 89% of Polavaram irrigation project construction completed
- 117 new gates for Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage to be installed before Godavari Pushkaram‑2027
- ₹1,200 crore earmarked for urban infrastructure during the Pushkaram festivities
On July 13, 2026, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu performed a bhumi puja at Dowleswaram in East Godavari district, officially launching the replacement of 117 gates on the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (SACB). The project, valued at roughly ₹152.95 crore, also includes the upgrade of aging electrical equipment.
Current Status of the Polavaram Project
Naidu disclosed that 89% of the Polavaram irrigation scheme – a lifeline that diverts Godavari water into the Eastern, Central and Western deltas, irrigating 10.30 lakh acres – is already finished. The scheme has long been touted as a catalyst for agricultural productivity and farmer incomes across the state.
Why Completion Before Godavari Pushkaram Matters
Godavari Pushkaram, a 12‑yearly river‑worship festival, draws millions of devotees. Completing the barrage’s modernization before the 2027 Pushkaram ensures regulated water flow, mitigates flood risks, and provides a reliable water supply for both ritual bathing and downstream irrigation.
Delta Modernisation and Tourism Initiatives
The Water Resources Department is preparing a three‑year master plan for the Godavari Delta, focusing on erosion control of river islands and the introduction of modern flood‑management structures. Simultaneously, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced the development of 65‑acre Pichuka Lanka and a 200‑acre island called Bobbarlanka as new tourist destinations, aiming to generate local employment.
Political Context and Future Outlook
Naidu claimed that had his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) remained in power after the 2019 elections, the Polavaram project would have been commissioned by 2021. He also leveled accusations at the ruling YSR Congress Party for alleged mismanagement of water resources. Concluding his address, Naidu promised that together with Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, they will transform Andhra Pradesh into a “Golden State,” aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India by 2047.”
These combined efforts are expected to boost agricultural output, strengthen flood resilience, and create a tourism‑driven economic boost for the Godavari basin.
