In a masterful demonstration of strategic governance, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu‘s administration executed a self-tested and groundbreaking experiment with the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (PLIS), marking a historic milestone as India’s first successful river-linking project. This visionary initiative, conceived to address water scarcity in Krishna and West Godavari Districts while mitigating drought-related issues in Rayalaseema, achieved remarkable success within a mere eight months of its launch in March 2015.
The PLIS, an integral component of the multi-purpose Polavaram Project, played a pivotal role in overcoming water challenges in the region. With 24 pumps efficiently lifting 80 TMC ft of water into the Polavaram Right Main Canal, the project emerged as an immediate and impactful solution while awaiting the completion of the Polavaram Project, a process projected to take about four years.
The statistics underscore the substantial impact of the PLIS: providing water to balance irrigation potential, stabilizing the Krishna delta ayacut, and contributing to the cultivation of early seedbeds in the Krishna delta. The saved Krishna water in the Srisailam Reservoir, due to augmentation from the Godavari River, was strategically utilized for various programs in the drought-hit Rayalaseema region, including Handri-Neeva, Galeru Nagari, and Telugu Ganga.
N Chandrababu Naidu‘s strategic foresight and deft political maneuvering are exemplified by his role in securing the transfer of villages for the Polavaram National Project through the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014. This legislative feat, achieved even before assuming office as Chief Minister, solidified his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex political landscapes.
N Chandrababu Naidu’s adept problem-solving approach has rightfully earned him the moniker ‘CEO,’ reflecting his ability to navigate challenges with composure and achieve tangible results. He emerges as a transformative leader who not only overcomes challenges but also pioneers historic initiatives like river linking. His commitment to progress and strategic governance, as exemplified by the Pattiseema triumph, cements his legacy as a visionary statesman.
