Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Development Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Monday said the State government had drawn up a time-bound action plan to complete 36 irrigation projects between 2026 and 2028, marking what he described as a “new direction” for the irrigation sector.

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat after a comprehensive review chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister said 25 pending projects inherited from the previous government and 11 newly identified projects had been prioritised with clear deadlines, implementation schedules and foundation milestones.

He said major targets include completion of the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Phase-II by October 2026, Veligonda Project Phase-I by August 2026, and the Polavaram Project by June-July 2027. Water supply to north Andhra through the Polavaram Left Main Canal is targeted by July 2026, while works on flood protection, river interlinking and lift irrigation schemes are planned for completion in phases up to December 2028.

Mr. Ramanaidu said the government had also decided to introduce a “Water Calendar” for the first time, clearly specifying irrigation water release dates for major deltas and ayacut regions to help farmers plan cultivation in coordination with Agriculture and Horticulture departments.

The Minister said a 10-year maintenance model for lift irrigation systems would be introduced to ensure uninterrupted water supply and transparency in operations, while the ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharathi’ programme aimed at groundwater recharge would be taken forward as a mass movement.