Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will formally initiate the flow of Godavari waters through the Polavaram Left Canal on September 2. The move aims to secure drinking and industrial water for the Visakhapatnam region.
- Godavari water supply via Polavaram Left Canal starts September 2, 2026.
- A total of 27 TMC of water will be stored across various reservoirs in the Visakhapatnam region.
- Officials clarify that this does not signal the completion of the main Polavaram dam construction.
In a strategic move to mitigate the growing water crisis in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, the state government is set to channel Godavari river waters through the Polavaram Left Canal starting September 2, 2026. To mark this milestone, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will perform the traditional ‘Jala Harathi’ ritual at Sitarampuram in the Payakaraopeta mandal of Anakapalli district.
Crucially, irrigation officials have managed expectations by clarifying that this release does not imply the completion of the overarching Polavaram Irrigation Project. Construction on the main dam and critical headworks is still underway. The current operation relies on utilizing existing pump arrangements and completed segments of the left canal network to address urgent regional demands.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the government is employing a 'phased utility' approach. Rather than waiting for the entire project's completion, they are leveraging partial infrastructure to secure 27 TMC of water. This prevents seasonal runoff from flowing wasted into the sea and provides a critical lifeline to the industrial hubs of Visakhapatnam.
"The diversion of Godavari water will bolster long-term water security for Visakhapatnam, which is experiencing rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion."
The distribution strategy involves storing 27 TMC of water. Approximately 5 TMC will be diverted to the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir, located within the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant premises. The remaining 22 TMC will be spread across local storage facilities and natural tanks, including Penjeruvu, Krishnampalem, Kondakarla Ava, and Gopalapatnam Ava.
To further integrate this supply with the urban grid, a major connecting pipeline from Kanithi to Narava is under construction. Targeted for completion by March 2027, this link will allow surplus water to be transferred to the Meghadrigedda reservoir, ensuring operational flexibility for the city's municipal network.
| Storage Point | Allocated Water (TMC) |
|---|---|
| Kanithi Balancing Reservoir | 5 TMC |
| Local Tanks (Penjeruvu, etc.) | 22 TMC |
| Total Target | 27 TMC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does this mean the Polavaram project is finished?
No. Irrigation officials have explicitly stated that the main dam and headworks are still under construction; this is a strategic use of completed canal sections.
Q2: How will this help the city of Visakhapatnam?
By filling local tanks and the Kanithi reservoir, and eventually linking to the Meghadrigedda reservoir via the Narava pipeline, the city will have a more stable water supply for residents and industries.
