Nellore to Revive 220 Irrigation Ponds with ₹355 Crore Funding

Swift Summary

• Project Scope: 220 minor irrigation ponds in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, will be restored at an estimated cost of ₹355.19 crore.
• Land Coverage: The project aims to develop approximately 26,928 hectares of agricultural land through the Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) scheme.
• Central Government Initiative: The RRR scheme is part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) under ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ (HKKP) program to revive water bodies wiht financial support to states.
• Goals:

– Provide adequate water for agriculture.
– Increase water storage capacity and enhance groundwater levels.

• Coordination Plan:

– District Collector O. Anand emphasized coordinated efforts between the District Water Management Agency (DWMA),Groundwater Department,and Irrigation Department for effective implementation of the scheme.
– Post-restoration plans include plantation drives and construction of walking tracks under NREGA schemes in collaboration with DWMA officials.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The restoration of irrigation ponds in SPSR Nellore district signals important strides toward enduring water management in Andhra Pradesh. Utilizing flagship schemes like PMKSY’s RRR program demonstrates alignment with broader national goals such as improving agricultural productivity and addressing groundwater depletion. Developing over 26,000 hectares aligns well with local agrarian needs while creating additional rural employment through complementary measures like plantation initiatives under NREGA.

This project highlights coordinated governance among various departments as a model for effective implementation. However, ensuring accountability at execution levels remains critical for long-term success given the scale and investment involved. By carefully managing resources and progress tracking within this framework, districts like Nellore can serve as examples for similar projects across India.

Read more: The Hindu Article