final book.pdf

Telugodi SAMYKYA PRASTHANAM 

b y 

IMAM 

C Imam 

Editer, Kadalika. 

Publishers: 

Kadalika Prachuranalu 

Yerranelakottalu, 

R.C. Nagar, Anantapur. 

Ph: 08554 - 277789. 

First edition: Feb. - 2014 

Copies : 1000 

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Printed at: 

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Price: Rs.100-00 

Copies available at: 

Imam, Editor 

Kadalika Prachuranalu 

Yerranelakottalu, 

R.C. Nagar, Anantapur. 

9989904389

Jalayagnam – A CORRECT AND CORRECTIVE STEP 

IRRIGATION ASPECT – DISPARITIES IN DEVELOPMENT – SOLUTION FOR 

EQUITABLE JUSTICE FOR ANDHRA PRADESH IN SAMAIKYANDHRA.



















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5) Irrigation Aspect - Disparities by Panyam Subrahmanyam 

6) Note on Anantapur District by Panyam Subrahmanyam. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

JALAYAGNAM – 

A CORRECT AND CORRECTIVE STEP 

by 

Panyam Subrahmanyam 

Dr.YSR’s Concern 

To do a work is quite a task. To tell how it has got to be done is not after all that difficult. Even 

if we find that persons, who perform and achieve goals such as eradication of poverty 

through rural development at programmed pace, go un noticed. A person who writes on the 

methodology as to how to remove poverty gets an award or even a Noble Prize. Benjamin 

Franklin said there are two ways of serving God. One is doing good to man and the other is 

praying the God. The second is more generally chosen since it is thought to be as an easier 

service. Talking is therefore easier than doing a thing. But during his padayathra Dr.YSR as an 

opposition leader made unbelievable promises. Many thought off by their experiences 

with political leaders irrespective of their parties making such promises. To come to power 

listing out several welfare and developmental schemes in the election manifesto is a 

common thing. But to the dismay of the people only a very few promises were fulfilled by 

the leaders as compared to large number promised to the voters. It is in this context, Dr.YSR 

need to be judged. This paper attempts to judge the contribution of Dr.YSR with regard to 

Jalayagnam. 

After becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh State the first announcement of Dr.YSR 

was free power supply to agriculture and waiver of electricity dues as an immediate and 

foremost important step to boost up morale of the farmers who suffered due to drought 

situations during 2001-2004. In continuation many welfare schemes, keeping in view of the 

welfare of different sections of the society, were launched and thus created hopes among 

all sections on his leadership. 

Among other welfare measurers worth mentioning are “Rajiv Arogyasri”, introduction of 

104 and 108 services on health front and fee reimbursement to all weaker sections in 

education sector. But how to make the farmers self reliant and achieving the over all rural 

development was his main concern. So, Dr.YSR believed that agricultural development is 

the only solution. In depth study on 

agricultural sector was commissioned by Dr.YSR with Jayathi Ghosh as Chair Person of the 

Study Team. The Study Team identified several important problems. Most important among 

them are: failure of agriculture due to factors such as vagaries of rainfall and dependence 

on unreliable rain fed crops; and agriculture development depending upon mainly on 

Irrigation facility. So focus on irrigation gained much attention of Dr.YSR. His own concern is 

no less on creation of irrigation potential even before the Study Team submitted their 

Report. 

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Agriculture - Rainfall and its Distribution – Cultivable Areas 

Agriculture depends mainly on soil, water and plant relationship. Agriculture being the 

main occupation in India, development of irrigation plays a significant part for promoting 

agricultural production and to improve the socioeconomic 

conditions of the rural population. In Andhra Pradesh the cultivable land available 

is as follows. 

Coastal Region: The cultivable area is 126.73 lakh acres (55.02 per cent of the geographical 

area of the State). 

Telengana Region: The cultivable area is 168.35 lakh acres (59.44 per cent of the geographical 

area of the State). 

Rayalaseema Region: The cultivable area is 91.97 lakh acres (57.03 per cent of the 

geographical area of the State). 

Rainfall and its Distribution 

For rain fed crops at least 1000 mm rainfall is required with normal distribution. But due to 

erratic distribution of rainfall, both in space and time, causing failure of rain fed crops in 

many parts of Andhra Pradesh state even in the districts where the average rainfall is more 

1000 mm. Vagaries of rainfall has been quite a common phenomena in the State. In all four 

districts of Rayalaseema region, Mahaboobnagar, Nalgonda and Rangareddy districts of 

Telangana and Prakasham and Guntur districts of Andhra Region where the average rainfall 

is less than 1000 mm, the demand for irrigation facility is increasing year after year. Irrigation 

projects are also necessary for other needs as well. The demand for irrigation is more in 

Pennar Basin, in the upper reaches of Krishna basin and certain uplands in Andhra Region. In 

the rainy season in areas like Anantapur district early and timely rains occur in some mandals 

and late rain in some other mandals resulting in failure of crops in the entire district. 

Irrigation Potential Created till 2004 in Andhra Pradesh 

Agriculture being the main occupation, development of irrigation potential plays a significant 

part in promoting agricultural production, employment to rural population and to improve 

socio-economic condition of the rural population in particular. 

Creation of irrigation potential till the year 2004 was very good in certain limited parts of the 

State. This is more due to major irrigation projects utilizing abundant flows of Krishna and 

Godavari rivers even during British administration; further progressing to considerable 

heights later on after Independence. At lesser magnitude remarkable attempts were made 

in the past during the periods of Kakathiya and Vijayanagar Kings and the Nizam in 

Rayalaseema and Telengana regions whereever possibilities are there for such water bodies. 

Thus Andhra Pradesh has heritage of irrigation dating back to several centuries. In the past 

rulers paid a good deal of attention to the development of Irrigation in their kingdoms for 

the benefit of their subjects. Certain big lakes and river diversion anicuts of those rulers 

have become famous to remember. Many anicuts across Tungabhadra river and many tanks 

of monumental irrigation works inherited by us as the Vijayanagara kings. Formation of big 

tanks in Rayalaseema region to store water at least for two crops during a year speaks about 

their foresight in observing the failure of monsoon once in two to three years in Rayalaseema 

region. With the great efforts of Sir Arthur Cotton, “The Irrigation Wizard of South”; the 

waters of mighty rivers Krishna and Godavari were stored and their waters diverted in to 

14

the fertile lands of the delta regions. After independence, the mighty Nagarjuna Sagar 

project was taken up during 1955-1967 using Krishna waters in Circar region. 

But in reality, many parts of Andhra Pradesh state lack irrigation facilities to a minimum 

level of 30 per cent of its cultivable area as per norms of Planning and Famine Commissions. 

In some areas, making the water available for drinking purposes has become a challenging 

task. This unequal development in creating Irrigation facility till the year 2004; created 

unrest and thus posing a great problem since 2 to 3 decades. Severe disparity leading in 

development of irrigation development in some areas has become the main cause for 

separate movements along with regions (see table-1 to understand the disparities in the 

creation of irrigation potential in the State). 

Reasons for Disparity in Creating Irrigation Potential within Andhra Pradesh 

There are several important reasons for disparity in creating irrigation potential in the 

State. Important among them are: 

• Inter state water disputes on usage of Krishna water between the States of Maharashtra, 

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh; 

• Intra state disputes between different regions of Andhra Pradesh state; 

• Dispute on assessment of assured waters, usage of dependable flows and surplus 

flows over and above the estimated 75 per cent dependability; 

• Adoption of well established policy based on United States law and following the 

same in Krishna and Godavari water disputes Tribunal i.e. First in time, First in Right. 

Non execution of Krishna - Pennar Project in early decades to benefit Rayalaseema 

Region. Had it been completed the law applied on adujudication of Krishna waters by 

the Tribunal (i.e. “First in Time, First in Right” would have been protected the interests 

of scanty rainfall areas; 

• Territorial changes taking place like formation of news state of Andhra on 1st October, 

1953; and again on the 1st November, 1956 due to formation of Andhra Pradesh state. 

These changes lead to many Inter and Intra state water disputes. Tungabhadra Project 

a Kamadhenu to Rayalaseema is one classical example for this reason; 

• Division of an Inter State river by the boundaries of several states limits the Geographic 

limits of the authority of a given state; but unlike land, resources of the common river 

are not subject to automatic allocation among them by the delineation of their political 

frontiers. As a river is an indivisible physical unit, the reparian states are in a state of 

permanent dependence upon each other. There is competition for the common river 

water among the riparian states and it is, therefore necessary to coordinate their various 

needs and uses and to define the limits within which a state can make use of the water 

to satisfy it’s own needs. The conflict of interests of the riparian states must be resolved 

by agreement, judicial decree, legislation or administrative control, so as to secure a 

fair and just distribution of the water resources among the concerned states. Thus 

legal aspects in harnessing of waters in new areas in Krishna Basin has become main 

 

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hurdle in developmental activity. Irrigation being the State subject Central Government 

has only a limited role to play in resolving 

such issues; 

• Non implementation of inked agreements in true spirit entered among the claimants 

at the time of making territorial changes such as Sri Bagh Pact etc. Had the agreements 

been implemented in those times by taking up the major irrigation projects on use of 

Krishna waters, the right of assured waters by the deprived regions would have not 

become a dispute now; 

• Lack of strong and dynamic leadership in Andhra Pradesh and differences in assigning 

the priorities of certain developmental sectors; and 

• Lack of unity and coordination among the political parties to safeguard the interests of 

their regions, etc. 

Availability of water 

Andhra Pradesh is a land of many rivers and lakes, the major as well as the minor rivers that 

flow through the State are 34. Of these, five are important rivers namely Godavari, Krishna, 

Pennar, Vamsadhara and Nagavali. The State’s share of dependable (75 per cent) flows from 

the river system, 811 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) from the Krishna, 98 TMCs from the 

Pennar and the rest from the other small rivers. 

Out of 1480 TMC available in Godavari system about 720 TMC is under utilization so for. The 

entire dependable yield of river Krishna is almost fully harnessed through several irrigation 

projects. Many a people like engineers, administrators, politicians, educated etc., 

differed with the proposal of new schemes in Krishna basin under the reason of non 

availability of water and the high cost of the projects. But as seen from table2 even in the 

Krishna river, in which all the allocated water of 811 TMC is fully harnessed, yet huge quantum 

of water is flowing waste into Bay of Bengal as measured at the last head works on Krishna 

river at Prakasam Barrage. But no doubt it’s dependability to harness water further from 

river Krishna got reduced. When some parts are experiencing drought conditions regularly, 

even at 60 – 65 per cent dependability can be preferred as there is no other alternate. In 

respect of Godavari, Andhra Pradesh is yet to utilize 760 TMCs of 75 per cent deposable 

allocated water till the year 2004. As could be seen from table-3, in the mighty 

river Godavari the quantum of water flowing as waste into sea as measured at Dowleswaram 

Barrage ranged from 1468 TMCft to 483 TMCft. This is the best alternate to take up new 

schemes in some deprived needy zones in Krishna and Pennar basins by diverting Godavari 

water. 

Table-2: Surplus Discharge of Krishna Waters at Prakasam Barrage (June – May) 

(In Tmcfts.) 

1 Water year TMC feets SN Water Year TMC Feets 

1 1990-91 1046.531 10 1999-2000 332.542 

2 1991-92 1250.185 11 2000-01 221.304 

3 1992-93 324.162 12 2001-02 65.282 

4 1993-94 657.326 13 2002-03 2.281 

5 1994-95 1329.304 14 2003-04 6.293 

6 1995-96 176.802 15 2004-05 15.670 

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7 1996-97 640.631 16 2005-06 1239.160 

8 1997-98 534.148 17 2006-07 965.740 

9 1998-99 1226.897 

Table-3: Surplus Waters of Godavari River at Dowlaiswaram Barrage 

(During Calendar Year January to December) 

SN Year TMC fts SN Year TMC fts 

1 1976 2660.224 17 1992 3311.210 

2 1977 2322.132 18 1993 1993.792 

3 1978 4081.008 19 1994 5959.230 

4 1979 20101.018 20 1995 3428.270 

5 1980 305.570 21 1996 2140.120 

6 1981 3331.307 22 1997 1468.630 

7 1982 1677.824 23 1998 2906.870 

8 1983 4879.689 24 1999 3407.690 

9 1984 1818.991 25 2000 3177.290 

10 1985 1744.705 26 2001 2884.360 

11 1986 3213.372 27 2002 1733.090 

12 1987 1557.242 28 2003 2985.810 

13 1988 4800.838 29 2004 1674.480 

14 1989 3460.989 30 2005 3447.080 

15 1990 7094.014 31 2006 4834.780 

16 1991 2579.641 

Note: Nearly 760 TMCft of allocated water (75 per cent dependability) is yet to be utilized by 

Andhra Pradesh. 

The tragedy of lands, crying for water close to rivers carrying vast quantities of water uselessly 

to the sea, must have been the cause of deep anguish to many of the farmers who are 

suffering for want of water since so many decades. Dr.YSR during his Padayathra who 

interacted with rural population rightly observed about the needs of water and power and 

determined that “Needless waste of water should be prevented and efficient utilization 

encouraged” This fact may be the main reason for launching of “Jalayagnam”scheme. For 

new schemes proposed in Kishna basin for needy areas, supplementation with waters of 

Godavari by diversion to Krishna basin by means of Polavaram multipurpose project and 

Pulichinthala schemes, so as to dispell the doubts of existing ayacutdars below Nagarjuna 

Sagar in Krishna basin who are opposing the new schemes proposed on Krishna river. The 

dependence on Krishna waters for ayacut of Nagarjuna Sagar Project can be minimized by 

making available Godavari waters to them. 

Regarding high cost of project 

One who studies regular visits of famine and drought situation in Pennar basin and in 

certain upper reaches is Krishna basin, and also flood havocs once in a while, making out of 

now irrigation projects for sustenance of people in the drought prone areas is most effective. 

 

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After all nothing is costlier than human life. Spending of huge amounts for flood relief and 

rehabilitation for saving of human life and cattle, providing shelter for people who are 

loosing everything shall be taken note when one feel that irrigation projects are cost 

involved. 

Dr. K. Siva Rama Krishnaiah, an eminent engineer, regarding availability of water, believed 

that the total resource available in Andhra Pradesh can be distributed over the entire state 

to get at least one crop a year for sustenance and creating massive rural employment besides 

solving drinking water problem fully and in minimizing flood havocs. Harnessing of water 

and utilization in needy areas needs a compressive action plan unless it is taken up with 

huge outlay. Dr.YSR fully agreed with this, with high confidence of mobilization of required 

funds in a phased manner for ‘Jalayagnam’ programme hoping that partial benefits can be 

derived from certain projects even during construction periods. Further Dr.YSR was optimistic 

in making available required funds for Jalayagnam from the Central Government and from 

other sections also after showing good results at field level and massive support from the 

rural population. 

Jalayagnam 

Dr.YSR worked hard to convert the State into “Harithandhra Pradesh” (Green Andhra Pradesh) 

by launching Jalayagnam for making judicious use of the river water that are going waste 

into the sea to create 1.03 crore acres of new ayacut irrigation potential with an an outlay of 

“one lakh crore rupees’ initially. The ‘Jalayagnam” has begun with 26 projects, as decided 

initially for providing water to 60 lakh acres including stabilization of existing ayacut. It was 

also 

contemplated to provide Irrigation water for a total 87 lakhs acres including stabilization of 

the existing ayacut. For this purpose it was decided to complete 46 major irrigation projects 

over a 25 year period. 

Due to sudden demise of Dr.YSR on 2nd September 2009, people and leaders started looking 

at negative side of Jalayagnam, more so by opposition and by those who praised Jalayagnam 

when they were part of Government headed by Dr.YSR. But they are all convenienly ignoring 

the possible multi purpose benefits like; 

• Ensuring irrigation facility to at least 30 per cent of the cultivable area in drought prone 

areas; 

• Increasing of the agricultural production and creating job opportunities for rural 

population, thus improving the state’s economy; 

• Protecting from the flood damages and minimizing the flood damages; 

• To attain self sufficiency of electricity; 

• Solving drinking water problem permanently; 

• Giving scope for setting up of agricultural based industries; 

• Making avenue for inland transport facility through major canals; and 

• Creating confidence on improving the living standards of rural population. 

Maximization of agricultural production by better irrigation facility shall be followed with 

ensuring of minimum support price etc., to see the smile on the faces of farmers and also to 

minimise migration from rural areas. 

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Let us pray God that good sense will prevail on the present leaders and see that the 

Jalayagnam programmes as dreamed by Dr.YSR are completed with the same spirit and 

determination by plugging all loopholes, overcoming the negative aspects of the scheme, 

ensuring quality of constructions, accountability to prove themselves as non corrupt and 

honest leaders, and also to prove that they are in power only to serve the people. 

Story of Four People 

This is the story about four people named Every body, Any-body, Some body and No body. 

There was an important job to be done and every body was sure that some body would do 

it, anybody could have done it, but no body did it. Only Dr.YSR did it successfully and left an 

indiliable mark that can hardly be superceded. 

It is appropriate, in this context, to recall and recite the “Subhashitham” of Bharthruhari. 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy long live. 

Let the JALAYAGNAM solve many a problem of Rural population. 

“Jai Andhra Pradesh - Jai Harithandhra Pradesh” 

[This Article as already published in "RURAL GLORY" of Diksuchi Publication] 

 

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EQUITABLE JUSTICE FOR ANDHRA PRADESH IN SAMAIKYANDHRA. 

1.0 GENERAL 

1.1 Geographically Andhra Pradesh is the 4 th largest state and the 5 th largest in term of 

population in the country. The major as well as the minor rivers that flow through the 

state are 34. Of these 5 are important rivers namely GODAVARI, KRISHNA, PENNAR, 

VAMSADHARA and NAGAVALI. As per the present allocations, the states share of 

dependable flows from the river system is estimated at 2746 TMC (TMC-Thousand 

million cubic feet). 

This breaks up into 1480 tmc from Godavari river system, 811 tmc from Krishna, 98 

tmc from the Pennar and the rest from the other small rivers. Till 2004, out of the 1480 tmc 

available in Godavari system about 720 tmc is under utilization. The entire 811 tmc of 

Krishna water allocated is almost fully harnessed through several irrigation projects. But in 

reality over and above 1000 tmc of water going waste into Bay of Bengal through Krishna 

river, when, many regions in Krishna Basin are facing acute water shortage even for drinking 

water needs. Similarly over and above 3000 tmc of water is draining into Bay of Bengal 

through Godavari River when many areas regularly experiencing drought situation. Many 

parched lands are eagerly waiting for minimum irrigation facility to avert desertification 

due to low, very low, erratic, unpredictable rainfall. The available water in the state is 

sufficient to meet the demands, but water is not available at the required level and domain 

“The task before the Government and engineers is to make the water available for use at the 

required level and equitably across all districts overcoming the physical, financial constraints 

and uncalled for separate movements from time to time”. 

1.2 The fundamental social and political institutions were established with the dawn of 

irrigation civilization. Each river basin is an indivisible unit, a more or less self-contained 

unit of drainage. Nature’s laws treat the river and its tributaries as the arteries of a 

single circulating system. The planning of a water resource development project 

needs consideration of many factors. It is limited not only to engineering and science 

but agriculture, social, political, economical and other problems. Compared to other 

development projects a water resource project requires a multi disciplinary approach 

including human and other living beings as well. 

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1.3 Division of an inter-state river by the boundaries of several states merely limits the 

geographic limits of the authority of a given state, but unlike land resources whose 

distribution among the states is resolved by the very establishment of their boundaries. 

The water resources of the common river are not subjected to automatic allocation 

among them by the delineation of their political frontiers. As river is an indivisible 

physical unit, the riparian states are in a state of permanent dependence upon each 

other. The utilization of the waters of the river within the territory of one state 

influences the conditions of water utilization in other states. 

There is competition for the common river water among the riparian states and it 

is therefore, necessary to co-ordinate their various uses and needs and to define the limits 

within which a state can make use of the water to satisfy its own needs. The conflict of 

interests of the riparian states must be resolved by agreement, judicial decree, legislation 

or administration control, so as to secure a fair and just distribution of water resources 

among the concerned regions. 

2.0. IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT BEFORE INDEPENDENCE 

Andhra Pradesh has heritage from cultivation and irrigation dating back to several 

centuries. In the past rulers paid a good deal of attention to the development of irrigation 

in their kingdoms for the benefit of their subjects. Certain big lakes and other irrigation 

works of Kakatiya period have become famous to remember. Many anicuts across 

Tungabhadra river and many irrigation tanks are of the monumental Irrigation works inherited 

by us from the Vijayanagara Kings. However the large scale exploitation of the water 

resources was taken up only during the Madras Presidency period in the late 19 th century. 

2.1 The AP state is divided into 3 regions which are coastal areas, Telangana and 

Rayalaseema with 9, 10 and 4 districts respectively. While the Rayalaseema and 

coastal regions constituted the Madras province during pre-independence period, 

the Telangana was ruled by the NIZAMS. 

With the great efforts of Sir Arthur Cotton, the mighty rivers Krishna and Godavari 

were trained and their waters diverted into the fertile lands of the delta regions. 

The following are the major projects completed in the pre-independence era. 

S. Project Period Ayacut in Region 

No. L.acres benefitted 

a) Godavari Delta System 1862 10.13 Coastal,Andhra 

b) Krishna Delta System 1852-58 13.09 -doc) 

Pennar Delta System 1825-75 

1882-87 2.66 -dod) 

Nizam Sagar 1923-31 2.31 Telangana 

e) K.C.Canal System 1923-31 2.78 Rayalaseema 

 

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From the above it can be seen that well established irrigation development is 

ensured to protect their rights in coastal region where as in Rayalaseema under the same 

rule of administration irrigation facility is nominal; where the rainfall is lowest and erratic. 

2.2 KRISHNA PENNAR PROJECT – 1951 – A BOON OF RAYALASEEMA REGION. 

The proposal to divert the Krishna waters into Pennar vally was mooted long ago, 

formulated by the composite Madras State Government in 1946. Subsequently the scope of 

the project was increased in the year 1951; to provide irrigation facility to a greater extent 

of 25 lakh acres by constructing a dam across Krishna river near Siddeswaram. This scheme 

was also cleared by central water commission. Under this scheme 7.2 lakh acres (Kurnool 

district 2.5 + Kadapa 4.0 + Chittoor 0.7) 7.0 lakh acre in Nellore district and remaining to 

Madras State Government was proposed for irrigation to provide some relief from recurring 

famines in Rayalaseema. 

But as a great blow to prospects of needy Rayalaseema region, this scheme was 

shelved by the then rulers on account of pressure exerted by the leaders of coastal region 

who are well developed in all respects on account of more civilization, awareness, 

experience of irrigation benefits and better living standards acquired due to better irrigation 

facility, enjoyed right from pre-independence era. The people of Rayalaseema region due 

to lack of foresight, were mislead by the propaganda injected (i.e.) “WHY SHOULD WE GIVE 

OUR WATER TO TAMILS” as being heard by the present generation of Rayalaseema, lost right 

on Krishna waters now giving scope for some people to say that for Rayalaseema there is no 

right for extra allocation of Krishna waters over and above the orignally allocated by KWDT. 

But whatever may be unforeseen factors: the possibility of drawing 300 to 400 tmc 

of Krishna water to Rayalaseem through Krishna Pennar Project was lost. This happened in 

violation of agreement reached under SRI BAGH PACT of 1937 (which is narrated in 

subsequent paras of this note), where in preferential treatment to Rayalaseema region 

with regard to utilization of waters of Tungabhadra, Krishna and Pennar was assured. 

Inviolation of this agreement, harnessing of Krishna water was planned through mighty 

Nagarjuna Sagar Project which was commenced before 1960 (1955); thus protected water 

allocation as an existing works in the KWDT award to benefit an ayacut of 23 lakh acres by 

impounding huge quantity of Krishna water of 268 tmc. ensured, Ignoring the irrigation 

needs of Rayalaseema. Srisailam Project was taken up only as Hydel Project in the territory 

of Rayalaseema across river Krishna. This project to facilitates drawal of additional water to 

lower projects by impounding 398 tmc.ft after power generation will act as a Balancing 

Reservoir to Nagarjuna Sagar Project. Thus drawing of Krishna water to Rayalaseema region 

subsequently by committed attempts made under JALAYAGNAM from 2004 onwards to 

some extent became controversial and so many objections raised by the some of the leaders 

of well developed regions of Krishna district. Some leaders of other regions are gone to an 

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extent of questioning the right of usage of water for irrigation from Srisailam project. Many 

schemes are formulated to benefit much needed Mahaboob Nagar district also under 

Jalayagnam by harnessing Krishna waters on up stream of NSP more so from Srisailam 

project. Had Krishna Pennar Project taken shape; the sufferings of much needed 

Rayalaseema region would have been wiped off to a great extent some 3 decades back. 

This is a classic example for negligent role played by the rulers and they are responsible for 

the present pathetic story of “Mahaboobnagar, Nalgonda, Prakasam and Rayalaseema 

districts” with regard to less irrigation facility. 

2.3 IRRIGATION POTENTIAL CREATED TILL 1956 IN 3 REGIONS (VIDE TABLE 1) 

1. Andhra Region: 41.8 lakh acres out of 126.73 lakh acres of cultivable area (ie) 32.98% 

2. Telangana Region: 17.52 lakh acres out of 168.35 lakh acres of cultivable (ie) 10.40% 

3. Rayalaseema Region: 9.07 lakh acres out of 91.97 lakh acres of cultivable area (ie)9.86% 

From the above it is evident that the regions Rayalaseema & Telangana demand 

preferential treatment. 

3.0 TUNGABHADRA PROJECT – 1945 – 1953 – TERRITORIAL CHANGES 

It was Sir Arthur Cotton “The irrigation wizard of South” who thought of harnessing 

the waters of the Tungabhadra for the benefit of the people of Rayalaseema who had been 

suffering from the curse of famine which was paying a visit to their districts at an interval of 

every few years. 

The project was primarily intended for the benefit of people residing in the districts 

of Bellary, Anantapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool and Rayachur. The first four districts popularly 

known as the ceded districts formed part of the Madras Presidency while Raichur was a part 

of the Princely State of Hyderabad. 

3.1 TERRITORIAL CHANGES: 

With the formation of the new State of Andhra on the 1 st October 1953, the major 

portion of the ceded districts comprising Anantapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool and three taluks of 

Bellary became a part of Andhra State while Bellary town and a part of Bellary District went 

to Mysore. 

On the reorganization of states on the 1 st November 1956, the district of Raichur 

excluding Gadwal and Alampur taluks became a part of Mysore state and these two taluks 

were joined up with Andhra Pradesh. The TBP was formally inaugurated on the 28 th February, 

1945 as a joint venture of the Government of Madras and Hyderabad. It was carried on after 

the 1 st October, 1953 by the three Government of Andhra, Hyderabad and Mysore. Since the 

1 st November, 1955 it is now the concern of the two Government of Andhra Pradesh and 

Mysore. Subsequently after the re-organisation of states on the 1 st November, 1956, the 

 

25

project became the concern of the two Governments (viz) Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka 

(Mysore upto 31 st October, 1973) 

Construction of the project was commenced in the year 1944 and Dam completed 

by 1953. Partial benefits derived by impounding water in the reservoir from 1953 onwards 

on adhoc basis till 1976-77 from which water year the Krishna water disputes tribunal award 

came into force. 

3.2 ALLOCATION OF WATER FROM TUNGABHADRA PROJECT AS PER KWDT AWARD 

In the KWDT award an allocation of 230 tmc of water (includes 18 tmc of reservoir 

losses) for different canal systems of both the states to provide irrigation facilities in an 

extent of nearly 14 lakh acres (12.5 lakhs acres direct irrigation + for supplements to nearly 

4.5 lakhs acres) spread in Koppal, Bellary, Raichur district of Karnataka and also in drought 

prone areas like Anantapur, Mahaboob Nagar, Cuddapah and Kurnool districts. 

Out of net allocation of 212 tmc of water in a water year 139.99 tmc of water 

roughly 2/3 of water is allocated to present Karnataka state projects and only 73.01 tmc of 

water to Andhra Pradesh Projects. Out of this 32.5 tmc of water is allocated to TBP HLC 

system stage I and II which is the only major irrigation projects ever seen by the people of 

Anantapur district so for. 

Even though 50% of the cost of the project was borne by the then Madras Presidency 

(from the revenue of Rayalaseema) the benefits are curtailed to 1/3 of the project in respect 

of water allocation, driving the Anantapur district to irrecoverable loss for the last 5 decades. 

This happened by merging Bellary partly and Raichur district in full to Karnataka State. More 

so the Head works situated in Hospet taluq are now in Karnataka State. 

3.3 PRESENT UTILIZATION OF WATER FROM TUNGABHADRA PROJECT 

As seen from the Table No.2 the allocated water is not available full to the 

dependents on account of reduction in the storage capacity due to siltation and due to 

other reasons when abundant Tungabhadra waters flowing down from DAM as surplus to 

only benefit well developed region (ie) Andhra. From 1976-77 to 2008-09 the quantum of 

water so surplused almost equivalent to present drawals. In the planning stage the storage 

capacity of the project was 132.4 tmc where as per the latest calculations of 2006, live 

capacity is only 104.34 tmc resulting in reduction of storage by 28 tmc. As on to-day the full 

storage capacity is 100 TMCft only. 

In the recent past 5 years the average utilization from Tungabhadra Project has 

come down to 155 from 160 tmc only due to siltation by 28 tmc and also lesser realization of 

inflows into Tungabhadra reservior on account of extra abstractions of water by Karnataka 

state on U/S of reservior. Due to this reason nearly 30% of the legitimate ayacut in Anantapur 

26

district is not receiving water when this district is totally depending on this project. 

When the demand for water is increasing year after year over the present availability 

indiscriminate illegal extra abstractions by the upper regions giving scope for increasing 

many interstate and intra state water disputes. In result the most backward region, drought 

prone area where rainfall is lowest and erratic, the Anantapur district is again a worst hit an 

account of these developments. 

4.0 TERRITORIAL CHANGES – SRI BAGH PACT – State reorganization in 1956 

– Gentleman Agreement. Inter States and Intra State water disputes. 

As explained in the earlier para new state of Andhra was created on the 1 st October, 

1953 with Kurnool as Capital based as a mutual agreement separating from Madras State. 

Again on the 1 st November 1956, Andhra Pradesh state was created uniting all Telugu 

speaking people, which resulted lossing of Bellary district in which TB Project is located. 

5.0 SRI BAGH PACT – 1937 

Sri Bagh Pact which is a sort of gentleman’s agreement entered into between the 

leaders of Rayalaseema and the Coastal Districts in December 1937 with regard to the location 

of University, the High Court, and provision of irrigation facilities in the two regions. 

In the pact, the para pertaining to “IRRIGATION” reads: 

“That to ensure the rapid development of the Agricultural and Economic interests 

of Rayalaseema and Nellore on the level of those in Coastal Districts schemes of irrigation 

should, for a period of 10 years or such longer period as conditions may necessitate, be 

given a preferential claim especially in respect of utilization of the waters of TUNGABHADRA, 

KRISHNA AND PENNAR, giving for 10 years exclusive attention in respect of major projects 

beneficial to these areas…” 

That whenever the question of sharing waters arises, the needs of the aforesaid 

areas be first met and that this policy be implemented as from today in the administration 

of the province” 

This pact was entered into in 1937 in the composite Madras State. In 1953, the 

Andhra State was formed with Kurnool as capital (ie) 16 years after the pact. The importance 

of this pact should have been realized at least at that time. Subsequently utilization of 

Tungabhadra waters in Rayalaseema inter-linked with Pennar was taken up including 

Tungabhadra Dam, TBP HLC Scheme stage I including construction of Mid Pennar Dam, TBP 

Low Level Canal. But the TBP HLC Scheme State II is going on with snail pace till now. Also 

small medium projects like Bhairavani Thippa across Hagari River, Chennarayunigudi project 

across Papagni upper pennar project, penna kummdwathy projects across Pennar River in 

Anantapur district were taken up and completed whose storage capacities put together in 

 

27

less than 4 TMCft and not receiving water every year. 

When the issue of taking up of projects like Telugu Ganga, Srisailam Right Branch 

Canal, Mylavaram Dam under TBP HLC scheme stage II, Extension of SRBC, PABR, 

Dharmavaram canal and extension of Mid Pennar North Canal to Yadiki Firka, to afford some 

protection from frequent droughts in Rayalaseem region in general and Anantapur district 

in particular many water disputes cropped up with objections from the upper neighboring 

states as well as with in the A.P.State by other regions. 

6.0 INTER STATE AGREEMENTS 

A. GODAVARI WATER DISPUTES TRIBUNAL: 

The catchment area of Godavari lies in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra 

Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. The competitive claims of the neighboring states in 

the utilization of the waters Godavari resulted in the constitution of the Godavari water 

disputes tribunal in 1969 under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956. The Tribunal gave 

its award in 1979. 

According to this agreement Andhra Pradesh shall have right to utilize 1480 tmc/ft 

of Godavari waters. But till 2004 the actual utilization was 720 tmc.ft only; leaving a balance 

of 760 tmc/ft out of assessed 75% dependable of water. 

B. KRISHNA WATER DISPUTES TRIBUNAL: 

The catchment area of the river Krishna is spread over the states of Maharashtra, 

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In order to settle the disputes among the three State 

Governments, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in April 1969. The Tribunal 

gave its award in 1973 and further report in 1976. The agreement came into force from the 

year 1976-77. 

The Tribunal determined for the purpose of case, the 75 percent dependable flow 

of the river Krishna up to Vijayawada is 2060 tmc ft and the same allocated among the 3 

claimants as follows, as against the demands put forth by the states for more quantities. 

State Demand in Allocation made in Additional allocation 

Tmc ft. Atmc ft of Regenerated flows 

Maharashtra 828 560 25 

Karnataka 1432 700 34 

Andhra 2008 800 11 

4268 2060 70 

Till 2004, the entire quantity of 811 tmc ft of water of Krishna is said to be fully 

utilized by Andhra Pradesh. 

The award also permitted that “The state of Andhra Pradesh will be at liberty to use 

in any water year the remaining water that may be flowing in the river Krishna but there by it 

shall not acquire any right what so ever to use in any water year nor be deemed to have been 

28

allocated in any water year of the river Krishna in excess of the quantity specified. 

C. Agreement on usage of Pennar Waters 

The agreement on the utilization of the Pennar river water were reached between 

the Government of Madras and the Government of Mysore in February 1892. It, among 

others, covers utilization of waters of Pennar and its tributaries and also Tungabhadra and 

Vedavathi. This agreement was partially modified by an agreement reached between the 

two Governments in December 1933. 

According to present agreement the AP is entitled to utilize 98 tmc ft of water and 

is fully utilized by now. The anticipated yield from Pennar Basin is being realized only on 

down stream of Anantapur district, resulting in non receipt of water to Small, Medium 

Irrigation Projects (viz) Upper Pennar Project, Mid Pennar Dam and also many tanks situated 

in Pennar Basin (Including Chithravathy Sub Basin) is mainly due to contribution of yield 

through streams like KUNDU, SAGILERU, PAPAGNI and to lesser degree Chithravathy. All 

these streams are contributing yield to some extent outside Anantapur District territory to 

benfit only Pennar delta in Nellore District. 

7.0 GUIDING PRINCIPLES LAW APPLIED IN THE DECISION OF KWDT AWARD 

The guiding principle and law applied in adjudication of Krishna river water posing 

a great hindrance to create Irrigation facility atleast to a minimum level in the needy 

Rayalaseema region in general and Anantapur, Mahaboob nagar districts in particular. The 

apportionment of water resources must take into account the peculiar physical, hydrological, 

economic political and legal characteristics of the river system, the state wise drainage 

area, contribution to the supply, the respective needs of the regions, the population 

dependent on the water supply, the degree of their dependence, alternative means of 

satisfying the needs, the extent of lawfully established uses, reasonable requirements for 

future uses in each region, the relative value of different uses and avoidance of unnecessary 

waste of water. 

Equitable apportionment calls for the above variable yet important factors. The 

weight to be given to a relevant factor is a matter of judgment on the pertinent facts of the 

particular case and no hard and fast rule can be laid down. 

7.1 PRIORITY TO EXISTING USES 

In the KWDT has discussed the principle of priority of appropriation at length 

quoting from the law in United States of America under which the one who first appropriated 

water and put it to beneficial uses there by acquired a vested right to continue to divert and 

use that quantity of water against all claimants junior to him in point of time. 

“FIRST IN TIME, FIRST IN RIGHT” is the short expression of this legal principle. The 

committee considered that prima face the reasonable requirement of all projects in 

 

29

operation or under construction as on September 1960, should be preferred as contemplated 

uses and shall be protected” 

In USA the territorial boundaries of the States are permanent and sacrosanct. In 

India, the areas and boundaries of the state can be altered by Parliament. New states have 

been created and individual states have been extinguished by Parliament legislation. More 

and more the local water laws, the financial structure and the National planning in India are 

in many ways different from those of USA. 

According to this policy, the regions which are having major irrigation works 

completed, on going and contemplated upto 1960; got protection in respect of allocation of 

Krishna waters. This policy enabled to get lion share of Krishna water to Andhra & Telangana 

for their projects like “Nagarjuna Sagar Project” and Krishna delta project. 

Out of 800 tmc ft so allocated, 50 tmc ft of water is earmarked as common demand 

for Srisailam Project and NS canals, the remaining 750 tmc ft allocated to 3 regions as detailed 

below as per the policy adopted that is protecting existing schemes. 

A Coastal Region 366.87 tmc (Krishna delta 181.2 + NSP left canal 32.25 + NSP Right canal 132 

ect) + 6.6 TMC for other small Schemes 

B Telangana 260.43 tmc (NSP left canal 99.75 + Jurala 17.84 tmc etc) RDS 15.90 + 9.4 TMC 

Musi project 90.84 for Minor irrigation + 36.7 TMC for other schemes. 

C Rayalaseema 122.70 tmc KC canal 39.9 + TBP HLC 32.50 + TBP LLC 29.50 + Gazuladinne tmc 2 

+ Bhairavani thippa 4.9) + 13.90 for Minor Irrigation 

KC Canal = Kurnool Cuddapah Canal 

HLC = High Level Canal 

LLC = Low Level Canal 

After independence the mighty NSP taken up during 1955-67 blessed with assured 

Krishna waters in circar region. Had the mighty project of Rayalaseema that is Krishna 

Pennar Project in 1951 received due justification as per Sri Bagh Pact, the right on drawal of 

water to drought prone areas from Srisailam reservoir as a corrective step taken up by 

Government after 2004, would not have become a big water dispute and thus needy 

Rayalaseema region deprived of their right full share on Krishna water as assured waters. 

7.2 ASSURED WATER AND SURPLUS WATER: 

The 75% dependability yield of 2060 TMC was arrived at by the Tribunal based on 

the flow series of the river Krishna at Vijayawada Anicut for the period from 1894-95 to 

1971-72 (78 years) adding the year wise upstream uses giving the gross yields at Vijayawada. 

Arranging the gross yields in the descending order, the 75% dependable yield worked out to 

2060 tmc. 

When AP State is fully utilized allocated 811 tmc of Krishna water (as seen from 

the tables ) during the period from 1990-91 to 2006-2007 barring the 3 consecutive years 

30

2002 to 2005, in all remaining 14 years of recent past 65 tmc ft to 1329 tmc ft of water has 

gone as waste into Sea. Similarly from Godavari during the recent 10 years from 1997 to 

2006, huge quantities ranging from 1730 to 4830 tmc of water gone as waste into sea. This is 

happening when many un-developed regions in AP are clamoring for creation of additional 

irrigation potential. 

“Not to use surplus water which is a scarce resource would be a national loss”. AP 

being at the tail end is placed in a vulnerable position and will have to face acute shortage 

of water in lean years, when the available yield from the basin is less than 2060 tmc, resulting 

in the AP share falling below 800 tmc. To tide over the crisis in such bad years, the clearance 

given by the tribunal to utilize the surplus waters in our state, should be taken full advantage 

of and a comprehensive plan of action is to be drawn for implementation of the programme 

for construction of a series of balancing reservoirs to store the surplus waters available in 

good years for use during the critical years that follows and to take care of neglected areas 

in AP. The same concept was realized by AP lately and works takenup to harness Krishna 

water from Srisailam Project. Effective steps started to achieve this only from the year 2004 

under “JALAYAGNAM”. 

The policy adopted for 75% dependability of water (assuming that as assured water) 

needs more study by the experts. The estimated 2060 tmc of water from Krishna River as 

75% dependable; there is no guarantee that the same quantity will be available in each 

year. At the same time there is no guarantee that the yield from Krishna River will not 

exceed 2060 tmc. Suppose allocated water is made for say 50 to 60% dependability more 

supplies will be available for the receipants. But AP being a tail end state; in any manner 

corned to disadvantageous position. For the agriculturable programme the water so 

allocated to various projects of all the 3 states shall be available to suit to requirements as 

scheduled. In the event of late rains; detaining the available yield in the upper reaches 

though the quantum of water is within their allocation; in that lean year lower down state 

Andhra Pradesh is bound to suffer. So AP is bound to depend on surplus water with out 

minding the dependability. But as an alternative diversion of unutilized much available 

yield over 75% dependability from Godavari water to much exploited Krishna river is the 

best solution and the same concept is adopted in the much awaited JALAYAGNAM. This 

diversion will save double purposes (ie) avoidance of waste of Godavari water to cater the 

needs of command areas in Krishna Basin in lower down reaches and then Krishna assured 

waters now being utilized by such projects can be used in upper reaches for projects which 

are taken up on surplus waters will have assured waters. The “JALAYAGNAM” programme is 

well received by all sections of AP giving a feeling that their long cherished desire to have 

a minimum irrigation facility in the zones of AP which are neglected for the last 50 years. 

 

31

7.3 WATER DISPUTE – STATE AS UNIT 

In the KWDT award the judgment made is for better adjudication of estimated 

yield among 3 states (ie) Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, treating state as unit 

and tried to do justice among 3 states. But the demands within the state, disparity in 

development took place from one region to other is not a subject for consideration by the 

Tribunal. It is considered that the water dispute is among 3 states only, but not to study the 

dispute among regions of each state. Even though adjudication of Krishna waters is made 

subject to review in future; it is a fact that many water disputes arose not only among 3 

states but within the AP state among 3 regions and in some cases district wise also. To curb 

this menace at the earliest possible, priority shall have to be given to provide Irrigation 

facility at least by 30% of the cultivable area of each region by all possible means as a 

priority developmental programme of AP state. 

To achieve this, redistribution of water is the need of the hour keeping in view the 

following parameters. 

1. Priority shall be for the areas where the rainfall is lowest and erratic in distribution 

both in space and time. Being Anantapur district with 541 mm lowest and erratic 

rainfall stands first for preference for more irrigation facility and next similar 

districts like Mahaboob Nagar, Nalgonda and the remaining 3 districts of 

Rayalaseema. 

2. Irrigation facility shall be for atleast 30% of cultivable area in each district where 

the rainfall is less than 1000mm making due provision for Drinking water needs 

etc., which is one of the basic cause for the present unrest in AP based on the 

policy decided by the Planning commission 1972 while declaring the drought prone 

areas in AP. 

7.4 IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT IN AP UPTO 2004 

REGION IRRIGATION POTENTIAL CREATED PERCENTAGE AGAINST 

UPTO 2004 (LAKH ACRES) CULTIVABLE AREA 

1 2 3 

1. ANDHRA 69.49 54.84 

2. TELANGANA 46.57 27.66 

3. RAYALASEEMA 17.93 19.50 

133.99 

As seen from the table 3 enclosed; it can be noticed that the development in 

Rayalaseema is lowest where rainfall in less than 1000 mm and in certain districts where the 

normal rainfall is ranging 853 to 1218 mm irrigation potential is much higher. 

On vetting the details shown in the table, it can also be noted that in Anantapur 

district where the normal rainfall is lowest (ie) 541 mm which is the lowest whose 

32

distribution is erratic and un predictable the potential created is only 3.51 lakh acres against 

the cultivable area of 33.41 lakh acres which works out to 10.51 % only as against 30% 

recommended by planning commission. 

8.0 INTER BASIN TRANSFER 

The diversion of river water to a different watershed for purposes of irrigation, 

generation of hydro power, municipal water supply and other beneficial uses may be made 

some times and no objection can be raised to this practice merely on the ground that the 

diversion is from an inter-state river. The diversion to another basin may be useful for the 

benefits of the region as a whole. One river basin may have a surplus of excellent land 

capable of being irrigated but shortage of irrigation water, while another basin may have a 

surplus water but a shortage of arable land, such a situation may be obviated by moving 

surplus water to areas where it is needed and can be used beneficiary. 

The Rayalaseema region which is facing shortage of water from Tunghabadra sub 

basin ( is only due to inter state water disputes with Karnataka cropped up) and Pennar 

Basin is blessed with good cultivable lands with good surface land slopes. Good land slope 

is must in the active irrigation as there will be no drainage problems and water logging 

effect. 

If all the uses cannot be reconciled, it became necessary to ascertain which uses 

will prevail obviously 1. Drinking, 2. Irrigation 3. Industry 4. Environment 5. Entertainment. 

This can be different for low rainfall area! For eg. Industry may be given priority over 

irrigation. In regulating the conflicts of different interests, an attempt is made to appraise 

and rank them in order of value lying down that in the given situation one interest is to be 

preferred to another scarcity areas are heavily dependent on the river water for irrigation 

and the needs of such areas should receive special consideration. “Needless waste of water 

should be prevented and efficient utilization encouraged”. This concept is well taken care 

under JALAYAGNAM. National water policy was adopted by the Govt. of India in september 

1987. The policy has also emphasized for the Interbasin transfer of water. It States "Water 

should be made available to water short areas by transfer from other areas including transfers 

from one River basin to another basin based on National perspective after taking into account 

requirments of the areas. But our rulers are not exerting pressure on Central Govt. to achieve 

this. 

9.0 CONCEPT AND REASONS FOR RAPID IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT 

1. The dominant divine laws that govern the Universe and the globe are the laws of (1) 

Harmonious balance and equality (2) Most minimum required utilization of vital 

resources for optimum out put in the service of all living beings and (3) selfless 

surrender of all our resources in the service and welfare of all. 

 

33

2. Avoidance of precious and precious unnecessary wastage of water. “Not to use surplus 

water which is a scare resource would be a national loss”. 

3. The apportionment of water resources shall take into account the peculiar physical, 

hydrological, economic, political and legal characteristics of the River system. The 

respective needs of the regions, the population dependent on the water supply and 

the degree of their dependence, alternative means of satisfying the needs, the extent 

of lawfully established uses and reasonable requirements for future uses in each 

region, the relative value of different uses. 

4. Corrective steps are to be taken in providing irrigation facility atleast to basic minimum 

level to certain zones 30% as per irrigation commission in Andhra Pradesh which are 

driven to pathetic situation, on account of frequent territorial changes, climatological 

conditions, non fulfillments of agreements made, and negligence by the rulers due to 

dominant role played by well developed sections. 

5. Constitution of multi purpose projects like Polavaram will solve many problems, 

creation of irrigation potential, Hydel Power generation, flood control and to provide 

protective drinking water needs, water supply to industries etc., 

6. To ensure good water supply for drinking water needs to human beings and live stock 

on first priority! 

7. To mainntaining environmental balance by averting the situation of the rivers become 

either dry or flowing with minimum required flows by simply based on calculated 

flows. Agreements and laws shall be powerfully enacted to see that river shall flow 

through out the year. 

8. In monsoon heavy floods occur causing great loss to developed regions apart from 

loss of lives. For flood control and rehabilitation works, lot of money is being spent 

which can be minimized to a greater extent if river is properly trained through irrigation 

works. 

9. Increasing of irrigation potential, Hydel Power charging ground water, greenery 

development, fishy culture and protection of flora and facing apart from attaining of 

self sufficiency in food production shall be our policy. 

10.0 Irrigation development plan from the year 2004 

In the history of AP the period from 2004-2009 will be ever remembered as golden 

era. Keeping in view the above aims those are enumerated in the earlier pares a 

Comprehensive Irrigation Development Plan was drawn to convert the state into 

“HARITHANDRA PRADESH” (Greener AP) by launching “JALAYAGNAM” for making judicious 

use of the river waters that are going waste into the sea. 

The Government under the leader ship of Late Dr. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy took up 

construction of projects as soon as he took over the official responsibilities for development 

of the backward areas. 

34

Initially AP Government planned to create 1.03 crore new ayacut irrigation potential 

with an outlay of ONE LAKH CRORE rupees. In order to bring dry and waste lands under 

irrigation, the State Government decided to construct 46 irrigation projects at a stretch, 

never heard in the past any where in the country. This massive programme is taken up to 

provide new ayacut in the needy areas under new irrigation projects and to stabilize the 

existing ayacut under different existing irrigation system, which are in need of modernization 

and supplementation of additional extra water to make good shortage of water. 

As only 514 tmc of water is being utilized, projects are formulated by utilizing 

another 654 tmc of Godavari water, as it is observed that atleast 3000 tmc of waters are 

available every year in the River Godavari. Like wise in order to utilize the surplus waters 

besides the projects that got approval on the River Krishna, many projects are commenced 

which are going to serve most backward and neglected needy zones neglected by the 

planners for the last 5 decades in Nalgonda, Mahaboobnagar, Rayalaseema districts and 

also Prakasam Districts. 

Thus in order to put a stop to wastage of water from the mighty River Godavari and 

Krishna, several projects have been taken up under “Jalayagnam”. Thus the projects of 

Alisagar, Guptha, Sriramasagar stage II, Sriram sagar flood canal, Sripada River Project, 

Itchampally, Dummagudam, Polavaram, Puskaram and Tadipudi. 

Similarly to benefit certain areas which are deprived of minimum irrigation facility 

on par with other areas in AP for utilization of Krishna waters, the projects like VELIGONDA, 

TELUGU GANGA, GALERU-NAGARI, HUNDRI-NIVA, NEHRU-NETTEMPADU, RAJIV BHEEMA, 

MAHATMA KALVAKURTHY, INDIRA-PRIYADARSINI, SRISAILAM LEFT BANK were launched. The 

PULICHINTHALA project was launched in order to stabilize the Krishna delta by diverting 45 

TMCft of Godavari waters. Initially it was decided to complete 46 major irrigation projects in 

2 or 5 years period to provide irrigation for a total of 87 lakh acres including the stabilization 

of the existing ayacut. Projects before 2008-09 include 40 Nos. of major 30 Nos. of medium 

are launched with administrative approval of Rs. 86720.36 crores. Added to this 12 Nos. 

flood bank and modernization works with an administrative sanction of Rs. 17314.22 crores 

are taken up. 

After seeing overwhelming good response for the spirit shown by the people of 

AP and all out efforts made in getting the necessary clearances and providing sufficient 

funds during the period from 2004-08, new demands to increase the scope of “JALAYAGNAM” 

more so in Telengana region 4 more big projects are taken up in 2008-09. In Telangana 

region (1) Pranahitha – Chevella Lift Irrigation Scheme for utilising 160 tmc to provide 

irrigation to 12 lakhs acres in 5 districts (costing Rs. 38500 crores) (2) Dummagudem NS tail 

paid hydel project to generate 320 M.W of power costing Rs. 19521.42 crores and to divert 

 

35

165 TMC of godavari water to the ayacut of N.S. Project (3) P.V.Narasimha Rao – Kanthanapally 

LI scheme to generate 450 MW of hydel power costing Rs. 10409 crores and also in Andhra 

region (4) Uttar Andhra Sujala Sravanthi costing Rs. 7214 crores are proposed under 

Jalayagnam with an total estimated cost of Rs. 75644 crores. Including above 4 new projects, 

the total administrative sanction was accorded for 1,79,679 crores for all the 86 projects in 

AP. Out of 86 projects the number of lift irrigation schemes taken up are 31 with an estimated 

cost of Rs. 115314.5 crores to create irrigation potential to 64.656 lakhs acres (62.813 lakh 

acres new + 1.843 lakh acres stabilization) proposing to utilize 778.76 tmc of water. The 

requirement of power for the above schemes estimated to be 8682.18 MW (208.37 million 

units per day). The installed capacity in AP upto 31-03-2009 is 12,427 MW, and as such for 

generating 13540 MW of additional capacity programmed by AP GENCO (2010-2014). In the 

earlier schemes taken up hydel power generation of 120 MW from KL Rao – Pulichintuala 

project. 960 MW from Indira Sagar Project (Polavaram) is contemplated. 

For financial convenience the programme of works are proposed to be in stages, 

with a possibility to thrive partial benefits from completed and partially completed projects. 

Diversion of 80 tmc of Godavari water to Krishna delta from Polavaram project will help 

Telangana and Rayalaseema indirectly and there will be possibility for allocation of assured 

water to certain projects which are now taken up with surplus water. 

11.0 REGION WISE IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT CONTEMPLATED UNDER 

JALAYAGNAM FROM 2004 ONWARDS. 

As seen from the Tables enclosed under Jalayagnam for creation of new ayacut 

including stabilization of existing ayacut the following are the details in nut shell. 

To achieve the above target the following big projects are proposed for declaration 

as National Projects for financial convenience to enable the state for early completion of 

projects. 

Sl. 

No. 

Region 

Water 

Allocation 

in TMC 

1 Andhra 445.33 

Irrigation potential 

ongoing & 

contemplated 

(L.acres) 2004 

onwards and 

percentage against 

cultivable ares 

33.028 

(26.06%) 

Total 

development 

on completion of 

Jalayagnam 

L.Acres. Including 

developed up to 

year 2004 

Percentage of 

development 

against 

cultivable area 

102.529 80.90% 

2 Telengana 304.00 

3 Rayalaseema 151.50 

54.484 

(31.18%) 

17.253 

(18.76%) 

99.054 58.84% 

35.183 38.25% 

TOTAL 610.26 

102.764 

(26.55%) 

236.766 61.17% 

36

Projects proposed to be declared as Nation Projects. 

Sl. Name of Project Estimate Rs. 

.No. 

In Crores 

1 Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Pranahita 

Chevella Sujala Sravanthi 38500.00 

2 PVNR Kanthanapalli Sulala Sravanthi 10409.00 

3 Sri Pada Sagar Yellam Pally WS. 3178.00 

4 JCHokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme 8789.40 

5 Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule Dummagudam 

NS Tail Pond 19521.00 

6 Indira Sagar Polavaram Project 5738.00 

7 Babu Jagjeevan Rao Uttara Andhra 

Sujala Sravanthi 7214.00 

Total 93349.40 

12.0 DISTRICT WISE ANALYSIS OF IRRIGA TION DEVELOPMENT ON 

COMPLE 

TION OF JALAYAGNAM 

On completion of projects, the lowest irrigation development will be again only in 

Anantapur District (i.e.,) only 7.475 lakhs acres which works are to 22.37% over cultivable 

area of 33.41 lakh acres. By virtue of its disadvantage position geographically, climatologically 

and also due to ill feelings developed on account of inter state water disputes, Anantapur 

district is eagerly waiting for this minimum development atleast in Samaikyandhra. 

At a time when the demand for separate states is increasing in different regions of 

the country the perennially drought prone Anantapur district is an example of being a 

victim of inter-state water disputes, a problem that is bound to get complicated further 

with more divisions of geographical areas. 

“Most of the cultivable land in the district could have enjoyed irrigation facility, 

had the district been part of Karnataka as almost all the rivers which have a course in the 

district originate in Karnataka” an opinion being expressed by some experts, seeing the 

pathetic conditions of the District. Besides, the lone dependable irrigation source 

Tungabhadra Right High Level Canal (RBHLC) also has its origin in the Karnataka as the interstate 

project of Tungabhadra reservoir. As a result most of its traditional irrigation system 

are facing extinction due to lack of water flow over the years. 

Karnataka has not left single rivulet flowing into Anantapur district without creating 

an obstruction in the form of Anicuts, Barrages, Minor and Medium Irrigation Projects and 

diversion channels in the Pennar Basin. 

Drying of Pennar River in the district is attributed to this. Upper Pennar Project, a 

medium irrigation project, has a parched bed for decades whose storage capacity in only 1.8 

TMCft. 

As per the planning commission’s norms an area with less than 30% irrigation 

 

37

facility will not survive. Even if the projects under construction like Handri Neeva and Yadiki 

canal system of TBP HLC schemes stage II taken up under Jalayagnam are completed (as the 

District people of hopeful of their early completion) the percentage of irrigation facility will 

be only 22.38%. 

To save the Anantapur district from desertification and to create confidence of 

survival among the people there is absolute need to allocate 100 tmc of additional water to 

meet the immediate demands of both irrigation drinking water and to allocate sufficient 

water for industries, a permanent solution by making readjustment of in the Krishna Basin 

in general and from Tungabhadra Project in particular is necessary by providing irrigation 

facility to a minimum level of 30% of cultivable and as per the norms of Planning commission 

1972 to fill all water bodies (17 TMCft) spread in the entire district and to provide drinking 

water (15 TMCft) to help the people of District from the suffering of farmers. To achieve this 

target, there is possibility only if the state is undivided, strong and in a position impress up 

on the central Government by strong representation for central schemes of diversion of 

water from surplus basin to deficient Pennar basin and to take up seven projects proposed 

for declaration as National Project. A detailed note on “Ananthapur District Status” is 

appended as APPENDIX-A. 

Enclosures to the note: 

1. Tables 1 to 5 

2. Note on Anantapur District – Appendix - A 

Statement Showing the Surplus Discharge at Dowlaiswaram Barrage on to Sea 

from Jan to DEC 

SURPLUS DISCHARGE IN T.M.Cft 

Sl. No. Year TMC 

1. 1976 2660.224 

2. 1977 2822.132 

3. 1978 4081.008 

4. 1979 2010.018 

5. 1980 305.57 

6. 1981 3331.307 

7. 1982 1677.824 

8. 1983 4879.689 

9. 1984 1818.991 

10. 1985 1744.705 

11. 1986 3213.372 

12. 1987 1557.242 

13. 1988 4800.838 

14. 1989 3460.989 

15. 1990 7094.014 

16. 1991 2579.641 

17. 1992 3311.21 

38

18. 1993 1993.792 

19. 1994 5959.23 

20. 1995 3428.27 

21. 1996 2140.12 

22. 1997 1468.63 

23. 1998 2906.87 

24. 1999 3407.69 

25. 2000 3177.29 

26. 2001 2884.36 

27. 2002 1733.09 

28. 2003 2985.81 

29. 2004 1674.48 

30. 2005 3447.08 

31. 2006 4834.78 

32 2010 3755.00 

STATEMENT SHOWING THE SURPLUS DISCHARGE AT PRAKASAM BARRAGE IN TO SEA 

SURPLUS DISCHARGE IN T.M.C. (JUNE-MAY) 

Sl. No Year Surplus in Cusecs T.M.C 

1. 1990-1991 - 1046.531 

2. 1991-1992 - 1250.185 

3. 1992-1993 - 324.162 

4. 1993-1994 - 657.326 

5. 1994-1995 - 1329.304 

6. 1995-1996 - 176.802 

7. 1996-1997 - 640.631 

8. 1997-1998 - 534.148 

9. 1998-1999 - 1226.897 

10. 1999-2000 - 332.542 

11. 2000-2001 - 221.304 

12. 2001-2002 - 65.282 

13. 2002-2003 - 2.281 

14. 2003-2004 - 6.293 

15. 2004-2005 - 15.67 

16. 2005-2006 - 1239.16 

17. 2006-2007 - 965.74 

SCHEME NAME 

PROJECT WISE WATER ALLOCATION 

1. VAMASADHARA 17.385 

2. THOTAPALLY 15.998 

3. PUSKARAM + 

4. THADIPUDI + 

WATER (TMC) 

5. ISP 301.000 

6. GUNDLAKAMMA 12.845 

 

39

7. VELIGONDA 43.50 

8. SOMASILA 20.00 

9. TGP 30.00 

10. SSLC (Srisailam Left Canal) 4.60 

11. DUMMAGUDEM – NSP — 

TOTAL 

445.328 TMC 

NOTE: 45 TMC WILL BE DIVERTED TO KRISHNA DELTA FROM ISP. and 165 TMCft from 

Dummagudem NS tail pand of Godavary water so as to reduce the dependence on Krishna 

water for the Nagarjuna Sagar and Krishna Delta ayacut. The watr so saved can be utilised in 

the krishna basin in the upper reaches above Nagarjuna Sagar Project to benefit needy 

areas in Mahaboob Nagar, Nalgonda, Prakasam and Rayalaseema Districts, mainly by taping 

from Srisilam Project. 

SCHEME NAME 

PROJECT WISE WATER ALLOCATION IN R’SEEMA 

WATER (TMC) 

1. TGP 29.00 

2. GNSS 38.00 

3. HNSS 40.00 

4. GRILS (Guru Raghavendra) 5.00 

5. SRBC 19.00 

6. PABR – 2 5.00 

7. CBR 3.60 

8. MYLAVARAM 5.50 (MODERN) 

9. PBC 6.40 (MODERN) 

TOTAL 

151.50 TMC 

SCHEME WATER ALLOCATION (TMC) 

1. AMRP 30.00 

2. MGLIS 25.00 

3. RBLIS 20.00 

4. JNLIS 20.00 

5. KOILSAGAR 3.90 

6. ALISAGAR 2.96 

7. GUTHPA 3.00 

8. SRSP – 2 24.40 

9. FFC FROM SRSP 20.00 

10. JCRGLIS 50.00 

11. SPS LIS 63.00 

12. RAJIV SAGAR LIS 20.00 

13. INDIRASAGAR LIS 20.00 

14. SINGUR CANLAS 4.00 

TOTAL 306.26 

40

CONTEMPLATED 

15. PRANAHIT – CHEVELLA 160.00 

16. INCHAMPALLI 129.20. 

17. MGLIS 15.00 

18. DG TO NS TAIL POND —— 

TOTAL 304.00 

Anantapur district lies in the southwestern part of Andhra Pradesh State between 

13 0 -14’ and 15 0 -14’ North latitudes and 76 0 -26’ East longigudes. It forms part of the northern 

extremity of the Karnataka Plateau and slopes from south to north. It is the southernmost 

district in Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh and is bounded on the east and north by 

the Cuddapah and the Kurnool districts respectively, on the south by the Chittoor district, 

and on the southwestern and western side by Karnataka State. Its general elevation towards 

the sourth is about 670m while it gradually declines to about 305m at Gooty in the north and 

275m at Tadipatri in the northeast. The eastern side towards the Cuddapah district is 

particularly hilly. The Erramalais flank the northern frontiers of the district. 

1.2 CLIMATE 

The district lying off the coast does not enjoy the full benefit of the northeast 

monsoon and being cut-off by the high Western Ghats, the rainfall from the southwest 

monsoon is also curtailed. Thus, the district is partly deprived of both the monsoons and 

subjected to recurrent droughts and partly famines. 

1.3 RAINFALL 

The normal rainfall of the district in 541mm which is lowest next to Jaisalmar in 

Rajasthan. 

The average precipitation in the district is 521 mm per annum (see A.P. Water 

vision Vol-2), spread over four seasons as follows. 

1. South-west monsoon period — 287mm (55.08%) 

(June – September) 

2. North-East monsoon period — 143mm (27.45%) 

(October – November) 

3. Cold weather period — 17mm(3.263%) 

(December – February) 

4. Hot weather period — 74mm (14.202%) 

(March – May) 

The analysis of weekly rainfall of the district indicates the probability of weekly 

rainfall of over 20mm is highest in weeks 38 and 39 but even then, the incidence is only 50 

per cent of the normal rainfall days. In 47 weeks, out of 52 weeks, the probability of atleast 

10mm of rainfall is less than 50 per cent. In contrast, there is a 20 per cent probability, of 

 

41

weekly rainfall exceeding 50mm occurring in most areas during many weeks of the growing 

season (June - September). Even higher rainfalls are not uncommon. In general, there is 

only about a 30 per cent probability of weekly rainfall exceeding 20mm and about 20 to 30 

per cent probability of a weekly rainfall of 50mm or more during the main growing season. 

The analysis has relevance of crop scheduling or crop calendar. 

1.4 TEMPERATURE 

The period from about the latter half of November to the end of February is the 

coolest part of the year. In the month of December, when the mean temperature is the 

lowest, the mean daily maximum is 28. 70C (83.70F) and the mean daily minimum is 16.80C 

(62.20F) by the end of February, the temperature begins to rise rapidly till May and in this 

period the heat is exasperating. With the onset of the southwest monsoon by about early 

June, the temperature drops and some relief from the oppressive heat can be felt. After the 

withdrawal of the southwest monsoon in October, the temperature begins to decline 

gradually. 

1.5 HUMIDITY 

The period from February to May is the driest part of the year, when the relative 

humidity is 50-60 percent in the mornings and 20-30 percent in the afternoons. It goes up 

during the southwest monsoon and retreating monsoon seasons. 

1.6 INCIDENCE OF DROUGHT 

The irrigation Commission (1972) adopted the following criteria for identifying 

drought affected areas in the country. 

a) The annual rainfall is less than 75% of the normal in 20% of the years examined, and b) 

Less than 30% of the cultivated area is irrigated. 

According to the above criteria, Anantapur district is one of the choronically drought 

affected districts in the country. This is causing severe distress to the people. 

The goals for irrigation policy recommended by the irrigation Commission (1972), 

include maximum areas served, as in drought – affected areas. Therefore there is every 

need to explore all the sources and possibilities for maximizing irrigation in Anantapur 

District. 

The Irrigation Commission (1992), also supported a liberal policy for irrigation 

works in drought areas and recommended that the Benefit – cost Ratio of major and medium 

works in those areas may be relaxed up to unity, as against the usual norm of 1.5 

The history of famines and drought (the word famine was used till 1950 and drought 

is being used after 1950) indicates that the occurrence is increasing alarmingly as detailed 

below: 

42

Between 1800 AD to 1900 AD : 12 occurrences (1 to 9) 

Between 1901 AD to 1950 AD : 7 occurrences (1 to 7) 

Between 1951 to AD to 1993 AD : 25 occurrences (2 in 3) 

Anantapur is the driest district in the state. As already stated, the average annual 

precipitation in the district is of the order of 521mm with the southern region getting more 

than the district average. This rainfall is not only scanty but is also known to be erratic in 

temporal and special distribution. This scanty and erratic rainfall together with precarious 

agricultural conditions has rendered the district a perennially drought – prone area. Although 

agriculture is the main economic activity of about 80 per cent of the population, the irrigated 

area in the district on an average is only about 10 per cent of the area sown. 

The district does not have perennial rivers and being a hard rock area, the 

groundwater potential is also assessed to be limited. The terrain is undulating, resulting in 

a high run-off and contributing to active erosion of top layer of soil. They evaporation is also 

high due to semi-arid climate, high temperature and high wind velocity. 

Apart from the above factors, the district has a low potential in terms of other 

natural resources like mineral and forest wealth. The Ramagiri gold filed the Wajrakarur 

diamondiferous field and steatite and barite deposits are expected to sustain mining and 

the associated industrial activity in a very limited way. 

2.0 ANANTAPUR DISTRICT 

2.0 GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES 

Population : 36,40,478 

Classification of Geographical area Area in Percentage 

lakhs of total acres Geographical 

Total geographical area 47.27 —— 

area 

Forest 4.86 10.28 

Cultivable area 33.41 70.68 

Barren and uncultivable land 4.52 9.56 

Land put to non agricultural use 2.96 6.26 

Sown area 26.98 57.08 

Irrigated area 3.36 7.11 

Normal average rainfall 552mm — 

 

43

DETAILS OF IRRIGATION PROJECT 

Completed Projects (Before 31.03.2004) 

Name of the Project 

1. Majaor Irrigation Projects 

Nos 

Ayacut 

(Acres) 

a) TBP HLC System (Stage-1 & II) 1 1,43,507 

II. Medium Irrigation Projects 

a) Upper Pennar Project 1 10,048 

b) Chennaraya Swamy Gudi Project 1 900 

c) Pennar Kumudvathi Project 

1 6,552 

(which is a diversion scheme) 

d) Bhairavanithippa Project 1 12,000 

e) Yogivemana Reservoir Project 1 12,880 

TOTAL 5 42,350 

III. Minor Irrigation 

a) I & CAD tanks (above 100 acres ayacut) 364 89,480 

b) PR tanks (below 100 acres ayacut) 2,184 21,003 

c) LI Schemes 7 4,249 

2,554 1,14,632 

Total of completed projects (I+II+III) 2,22,148 

3.0 RIVERS AND STREAMS 

There are only three major rivers, Viz., Pennar, Hagari and Chitravati flowing through 

the district. These are mostly dry except for seasonal floods. The Hagari basin is restricted to 

the western and northwestern parts and a major portion of the district falls in the pennar 

basin. The watershed line dividing the catchments of Hagari and pennar runs roughly north 

to northwest from near Kalagohini on the Karnataka border through Kalyanadurg, Ankampatti 

and Wajrakarur up to Nancherla in the northern border. The Hagari river (also called Vedavati 

) with its tributary Chinna Hagari flows entirely in the western part. The Bhairavanithippa 

Dam constructed near the Karnataka State border across the Hagari River provides irrigation 

for parts of Rayadurg and Kalyandurg areas. 

The Pennar River (also called Pinakini) enters the district in the extreme south of 

Hindupur taluk from the Karnataka State. The tributary river Jayamangali joins the Pennar 

near Utkur. The Pennar River passes through Kalyandurg, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty 

and Tadipatri areas and finally enters the Cuddapah district. It’s important tributaries besides 

44

Jayamangali are Tadakaleru, Chitravati and Maddileru rivers in Anantapur districvt. The 

Upper pennar Dam was constructed across the Pennar River near Perur. The Mid-Pennar 

Dam was constructed near Penakacherla, where the Tungabhadra High Level Canal joins the 

Pennar River. The third river Chitravati enters near Kodikondla and flows into the 

Bukkapatnam tank. From the surplus weirs of Dharmavaram tank, it flows out, where it 

meets other streams and turns into a considerable river and flows through Tadipatri area 

into Cuddapah district and joins Pennar River just before the picturesque Gandikota gorge. 

The Maddileru River in Kadiri area is a tributary to the Chitravati. The Papaghni is another 

river of importance flowing through a part of Kadiri area. Other less important streams 

which feed the big and small irrigation tanks are the Kushavati near Hindupur, the 

Sawarnamukhi near Madakasira, the Tadakaleru and Pandameru near Anantapur. 

3.1 HAGIRI 

Hagiri rivcer flows through Anantapur district before it joins the Tungabhadra River. 

Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal Award has placed restrictions for utilization of water from 

the Tungabhadra and Hagari (Vedavathi) basins. Hagari river is fully exploited in Karnataka 

states by the Vanivilasasagar reservoir, which was constructed for a very high capacity and it 

surpluses very rarely. The catchment below this reservoir is totally in drought prone area. 

The Bhairavanithippa project constructed at the state border is not receiving enough 

dependable water of 4.90 TMC allocated by the KWDT Award. 

3.2 PENNAR RIVER 

The total catchment of the river Pennar basin is 55,213 Sq.km. of which 6,937 Sq.km 

is in Karnataka state. The catchment area of Pennar at its exit from the Anantapur district is 

33438 Sq.km. the entire basin of Pennar is in drought prone area. The flow pattern is 

uncertain and unpredictable. The records indicate the lowest yield of 12.40 TMC in 1928 and 

highest yield of 370 TMC in 1975. The variation is almost 30 times between the maximum 

and minimum. Up to the state border, the river has been fully utilized by Karnataka state 

and hene there will be no flow in to Pennar at A.P border. 

3.3 CHITRAVATI AND PAPAGNI 

Chitravati is similar to Pennar and because of the over utilization by Karnataka, the 

biggest tank at Bukkapatnam is not receiving any flows in the recent years. In the lower 

reaches, a balancing reservoir has been constructed on Chitravati. Maddileru, a tributary of 

Chitravati has been put utilization recently by the construction of YOGI VEMANA RESERVOIR. 

The catchment of Papagni is hilly region in Anantapur district and there is very little scope 

for further utilization beyond the Chennarayaswamigudi project. 

In all, there is no further scope for utilization of any water from the catchments in 

the Anantapur district. 

 

45

4.0 DRINKING WATER AND FLUORIDE CONTENT 

The range of distribution of fluoride content in natural waters of Anantapur district 

is from 1.0 to 7.0 ppm. This much of fluorine in water could account for the incidence of 

dental and skeletal fluorosis. The people may also be getting substantial quantities of 

fluorine through sources other than water. The commonly available food materials like 

cereals, vegetables, fruits and grains grown using water containing fluorine will also 

contribute for high fluorides when consumed. While consumption of such agricultural 

produce cannot be avoided, at least if the drinking water free from fluorides, the situation 

improves very much. Even the livestock suffers very much on account of the fluoride content 

in water and fodder. The imperative need is therefore not only drinking water for people, 

but also of equal importance is to provide adequate good drinking water for lives stock. 

Earlier during 1987, Dr. K. Sriramakrishnaiah drew up preliminary proposals for 

supplying drinking water to all the villages of Anantapur district from the TBP HLC system 

and submitted a project report. Due to some reason or the other, the project could not be 

taken up for execution. After a decade, Sri Satya Sai Trust came forward to provide drinking 

water facility to some of the villages in Anantapur District drawing water from the TBP HLC 

system at two locations namely PABR and Chitravati balancing reservoir. The system worked 

well as long as there is enough water in HLC system. With the reduction in receipt of flows 

from the Tungabhadra reservoir through the HLC system, these systems also suffer with 

inadequacies in water supply. 

5.0 TBP HLC SYSTEM 

The only major irrigation source presently supplying water is the TBP HLC system. 

The allocation of water for this system is 32.50 TMC from the Tungabhadra reservoir. The 

capacity of the Tungabhadra is reduced from 133 TMC to 104.34 TMC due to silt accumulation 

since its completion in 1951 till 2006, thus reducing the utilization from 212 TMC to about 170 

TMC. The lesser abstraction from TB Reservoir is not only due to progressive siltation and 

also lesser inflows into Reservoir during post surplusing period from the month of November. 

The reservoir silting is a progressive activity and thereby reducing the capacity about 0.50 

TMC every year. Because of the reduction in utilization the actual entitlements for the 

systems got reduced and at present the HLC entitlement has been reduced from 32.50 TMC 

to about 26.TMC. 

The break-up of 32.50 TMC of water is furnished below indicating the corresponding 

ayacut and reduction in entitlement due to silting of the Tungabhadra reservoir. 

7.88 TMCft yield anticipated from pennar Besin. 

46

S. 

No. 

Name of Canal 

Entitlement 

of water in 

TMC 

Total 

ayacut in 

acres 

Reduction 

due to 

silting in 

TMC 

Ayacut in 

Anantapur 

Dist. 

Water 

entitlement 

for 

Anantapur 

Dist. In TMC 

Reduction 

due to 

siltation in 

TMC 

HLC Stage - I 

1 HLMC 7.30 35,366 1.35 35,366 7.30 1.35 

2 MP South Canal 4.32 36,052 0.80 36,052 4.32 0.80 

3 MP North Canal 1.87 13,174 0.34 13,174 1.87 0.34 

4 

Tadipatri Branch 

Canal 

3.72 28,144 0.69 22,544 2.98 0.55 

HLC Stage - II 

1 

Guntakal Branch 

Canal 

6.89 46,441 1.27 31,667 4.70 0.87 

2 

Mylavaram 

reservior 

4.00 + 

5.88 

75,000 0.74 Nil Nil Nil 

3 

Pulivendula 

Branch canal 

4.40 + 

2.00 

60,000 0.81 4,704 0.34 0.06 

Total 

32.50 + 

7.88 

2,94,177 6.00 1,43,507 21.51 3.97 

The reduction of 6.00 TMC for HLC system is further increased with the progressive 

siltation of Tungabhadra reservoir by 

6.0 PENNA AHOBILAM BALACING RESERVOIR (PABR) 

As part of the HLC stage-2, the PABR was constructed for serving and additional 

ayacut of 1, 00,000 acres (50,000 acres under the PABR Right Canal (including Dharmavaram) 

canal and 50.000 acres under Yadiki canal system by extending the M.P. North Canal. This 

requires 10 TMC of water and it was proposed to draw this 10 TMC from Tungabhadra reservoir 

by diverting the allocation made to the K.C. canal system from the Tungabhadra reservoir. In 

lieu, the 10 TMC is proposed for supplementation from Srisailam reservoir to the K.C. Canal. 

However this proposal has not materialized so far in to full extent. 

With the completion of Srisailam Right Main Canal, water is being released from 

Srisailam reservoir to the K.C. Canal since 1991-92. The release from Srisailam reservoir are 

47

anging from 7.2 TMC to 17.05 TMC in the period from 1992-92 to 2001-02, averaging out to 

10.70 TMC a year. Also under the modernization scheme of the K.C. Canal, a new barrage has 

been constructed at Sunkesula across Tungabhadra River and a balancing reservoir is also 

provided at Alaganur. This stabilized the K.C. Canal system to a great extent and together 

with the releases from the Srisailam reservoir, there would be no problem for the K.C. Canal 

in future, except in scarcity years. 

7.0 HANDRI-NIVA SUJALA SRAVANTHI (HNSS) 

This project is proposed for providing irrigation facility for 6,02,500 acres in 

Rayalaseema covering the four districts of Kurnool, Anantapur, Cuddapah and Chittor. The 

chronically drought prone areas in these four districts get benefit from this project as a 

small relief from the drought distress. This project is proposed to draw 40 TMC of water 

from the Srisailam reservoir by lift from out of the remaining water in the Krishna Basin with 

the liberty given to A.P. State to use it, without acquiring any right as per the KWDT. The 

HNSS project drawal of 40 TMCft of flood water of Krishna river from Srisailam Reserviour to 

provide irrigation facility to an extent of 6.025 Lakh acres in Kurnool, Anantapur and Chittor 

District. The project taken in two phases. In Phase-I : The ayacut proposed of Anantapur 

district in 1,18,000 Acres and under Phase-II, 2,27,000 Acres to save 39 Mandals. From 

allocation of water to the scheme in yet to be made and Phase-I upto Anantapur district in 

normaly completed 

PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL WATER 

Recently, some of the retired Engineer-in-Chief and Chief Engineers of the I&CAD 

Dept., submitted a representation to Government of A.P. requesting to take up the HNSS 

Project, among others, for mitigation of drought distress in Rayalaseema, specially in 

Anantapur District. They expressed that about 88 TMC of water can be made available to 

Anantapur Distirct as indicated below. 

1) Short drawal in HLC system 6.00 TMC 

2) Savings in Nagarjunasagar command by Altering the 

cropping pattern 

19.33 TMC 

3) Diversion of allocation of K.C. canal to PABR from 

Tungabhadra reservoir 

10.00 TMC 

4) From dirversion of Godavari waters to K r i s h n a 

basin 20.00 TMC 

5) Savings at Pulichintala Project 10.00 TMC 

6) From out of the surplus waters in 

Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers 

23.00 TMC 

On this, the Chief Engineer, Investigation has also furnished a Report to Government 

on the possible of water to Anantapur District from out of the allocations made to A.P. by 

the KWDT. 

48

8.0 GROUND WATER 

Systematic groundwater studies were carried out in the Anantapur district. 

Groundwater in the area is developed by means of 71100 wells (open-wells and bore wells) 

for domestic and irrigation purposes. The discharge in respect of these irrigation wells 

fitted with medium capacity pumps varies from 18 to 625 kiloliters per day. As per the 

estimates given by the State Groundwater Department, Anantapur district (both command 

and non-command areas). The present level of utilization has been estimated at 682 M.Cum 

(24.085 TMC), leaving a balance of 515 M.Cum (18.187 TMC) for further development in the 

Ananatapur District. The present level of irrigation utilizing the groundwater is 132990 ha 

(328619 acres) and the ultimate potential estimated is 198078 ha (489379 acres). 

In Command 

Areas 

In non-command Total 

areas 

1. Net annual 7.522 34.750 42.272 

groundwater 

Availability in TMC 

2. Current draft for 

irrigation in TMC 0.989 23.096 24.085 

3. Gross area irrigated 

with Groundwater 3,28,619 

in acres 

4. Ultimate potential with 4,89,379 

Groundwater in acres 

9.0 LAND DISTRIBUTION 

Forests cover one tenth of the total district (10.28 percent), while barren and 

uncultivable lands like hills etc., cover 9.56 percent. The area put to non-agricultural uses 

such as building roads, water ways, etc., cover about one twelfth of the area (6.26 percent), 

while there is a perceptible increase in the net area sown. The only persistent drawback is 

the vast extent of barren and uncultivable land. About one fifth fo the area is arable, but 

fallow. 

10.0 SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS 

Anantapurt district, forming a part of the Rayalaseema, is a backward region of 

Andhra Pradesh State. The Rayalaseema Development Board had made a detailed analysis 

of this backward region and has recommended a perspective plan for this region. The per 

capita income in 1960-61 was Rs. 281, whereas by 1968-69, it was as low as Rs. 241 at 1960-61 

constant prices. The per capita income was constantly lower than 1960-61 except in 1964-65 

when it rose to Rs. 289, the fall is attributed to the recurring famines and droughts to which 

the region was subjected. 

 

49

The primary activity in the region is agriculture. Generally, a large number of 

improved methods of cultivation have taken place, but the limiting factor is the non 

availability irrigation facilities to make full use of increased opportunities for intensive 

agriculture and inadequate development of dry farming methods. 

Industry continues to be comparatively insignificant in this area. Analysis of the 

industrial structure shows that nearly 2/3 rd of the people employed are in agro based 

industries. A sprinking of mineral based industries could also be observed. In terms of 

industrial investments also, the region has not attracted much investments. 

In respect of social situation, the need for social justice and equality are the two 

important aspects to be considered. With regard to the inequalities in the rural sector, the 

land holdings are not particularly uneven in their distribution, except in a few pockets, 

which are primarily dry areas. 

11.0 PEOPLE – EFFECT OF DROUGHT 

The frequent failure of rains resulting in droughts, have impoverished the people, 

subjected them to severe hunger and thirst. The cattle and sheep nay the entire living 

organisms is subjected to starvation and thirst, malnutrition, culminating in deaths. The 

flora and fauna is extinguishing as there is no sufficient moisture in the soil for the plants to 

grow and preserve food for the wild life to exist. 

Due to over exploitation, the little ground water entrapped in the sub-terrarium 

layers of soils and rocks is exhausted as it is not replenished either by Natural rain, or by 

artificial rain or by getting assured water from firm dependable sources like Pennar and 

Tungabhadra sub basin of Krishna basin. 

Desert is the culmination of continued degration of environment. The process 

may be slow but the end is certain; if the condition leading to the desertification are not 

removed in time and environmental changes become irreversible. 

The Anantapur district though falls under SEMI-ARID ZONE as per Govt. 

classification; it eminently deserved to be placed under ARD-ZONE, owing to long dry spells 

of 7 to 11 months in a year. 

Already there are indicatons in the south-west parts of Anantapur district 

particularly along the banks of “HAGARI” river; the cultivable lands are being covered by 

‘Sand deposits’ due to very high wind velocities. On seeing such deposited sand loams any 

one will feel that there are in a deserts of A.P 

TANKS 

Tanks irrigation in Anantapur district has sustained the population to a large extent 

even thought it is precarious in nature. Of late on account of silting, percolation evaporation, 

frequent breaching, lack of control in water management and cultivation of land in the 

catchments have further reduced the efficiency of thanks. 

There are a total 2554 tanks in Anantapur district, of which 364 tanks serve more 

than 100 acres. The Vijayanagar Kings and their subordinates built almost all these tanks 

50

during the 14 th to 17 th century with much bigger storage capacities than the anticipated 

annual yield (roughly designed for half filling) keeping in view the fact that good rains will 

occur once in 4 years. The total Irrigation facility under tanks is about 1,14,632 acres. The 

important tanks are listed below. But receiving of water to these tanks is a rare event. 

1. Bukkapatnam tank : 2972 acres 

2. Parigi tank : 2851 acres 

3. Singanamala tank : 2524 acres 

4. Dharmavaram tank : 1922 acres 

5. Kotnur tank : 1509 acres 

6. Anantapur tank : 2511 acres 

7. Gutti tank : 1037 acres 

8. Y.T. tank : 903 acres 

9. Kambadur tank : 963 acres 

10. Hindupur big tank : 1130 acres 

11. Gotlur tank : 642 acres 

12. Kuntimaddi tank : 490 acres 

12.0 RESOURCES THAT CAN BE TAPPED 

A) The primary aim is to prevent desertification of Anantapur district and set right the 

prevailing situation by appropriate drought-proofing measures. Irrigation 

Development has been identified as an effective tool for drought – proofing of the 

drought – prone / drought – affected areas in the country. The theme paper of the 

Ministry of water Resources, Govt. of India, on the occasion of the Water Resources 

Day 2001, has brought out this point clearly, citing the case-study of Indira Gandhi 

Nahar Project (IGNP) in Particular and the proposals / prospects under Sardar Sarovar 

Project in drought-proofing. 

As already mentioned one criterion for identifying the areas as drought affected is 

the irrigated area being less than 30% of the cultivated area. The culturable area is 33.41 

lakh acres and the irrigated area is to be not less than 10.10 lakh acres to consider that the 

District has reached a stage which enables it to sustain a reasonable protection against 

drought in the District. 

The resources to be tapped for this purpose could be – 

I) By consolidating and harnessing all the locally available / internal water resources of 

the District, and 

ii) 

By importing additional water from outside the District by diversion and reallocation 

of available water resources of the State, keeping in mind the need to maximize 

 

51

irrigation Programme in drought-prone areas as recommended by the Irrigation 

Commission 1972 and also implementing National Water Policy declared in September 

1987. 

iii) By taking up Irrigation Projects with neighboring Karnataka State as joint venture by 

Central Govt. adopting give and take policy. 

As regards local / internal resources, the Rural Development Dept, Govt. of A.P has 

organized District- level workshops involving the participation of community – based 

organization, Non-governmental organizations, Govt. representatives and individuals, in 

the process of developing the A.P. Water Vision and listed the key vision statements 

developed from the workshops as follows (vide page 177 Vol. II of the Vision Documents) in 

respect of Anantapur District. 

i) Rehabilitate the existing tanks and Kuntas, and integrate the existing tanks into the 

watershed programme. 

ii) Improve the existing water quantity and address the fluoride problem 

iii) Achieve and equitable distribution of irrigation water and drinking water supplies, so 

that the needs of all users (including liverstock and wild-life demands) are satisfied. 

iv) Regulate the over-exploitation of ground water near the recharge structures and small 

common tank areas run by Water Users Associations. 

v) Increase water-use efficiency through water rosters, regulations, technical guidance 

and financial assistance to WUAs 

vi) Apply integrated resource management to restore forest environments. 

vii) Convert irrigation tanks of less than 40 ha irrigation capacity to percolation tanks, 

based on people’s advice and technical feasibility. 

The immediate need would be to provide at least an additional 100 TMC of water 

for the district to avoid it becoming a desert. The various alternatives to augment the district 

with the supply of additional water are discussed below. 

B) The Anantapur district ground levels are ranging from about +275m elevation (near 

Tadipatri) to about +670m elevation (Hindupur-Madakasira areas). The storage sources 

available in Krishna basin are Tungabhadra reservoir with FRL of +497.71m and Srisailam 

reservoir with FRL of +269.73m. The Srisailam reservoir cannot provide any facility by 

gravity to Anantapur District. Some of the areas below +445m elevation are being 

served by the Tungabhadra reservoir by gravity to the extent of allocation by the 

KWDT Award. 

52

13.0 SPECIFIC PROPOSALS: 

1. a) Diversion of the short drawal of 8 TMC from the 

Tungabhadra reservoir through HLC system. 

b) Diversion of 10 TMC from Tungabhadra reservoir to PABR 

To draw this additional 16 TMC, the following alternatives are suggested. The utilization 

from Tungabhadra system can be increased only by drawing water before the end of 

monsoon season. This requires either improvement to the existing system or 

construction of new drawal systems. 

i) Improve the HLMC right from the Tungabhadra dam up to PABR for increased discharge 

of 5500 cusecs at head and 4000 cusecs beyond km. 105 ( Karnataka – A.P. border ) 

ii) Providing a separate canal for serving the area in Karnataka up to the border and delink 

the present HLC to cater the needs of A.P. area exclusively and simultaneously 

improving the canal to 4000 cusecs carrying capacity. 

iii) Improving the capacity of HLMC up to km. 40 for 5500 cusecs discharge and from there 

to have a separate canal for serving the area in Karnataka and improving the HLC 

beyond km. 40 up to PABR to a capacity of 4000 cusecs discharge. 

iv) The possibility of linking the power canal above the fore bay with the HLC at a 

convenient location and improving the HLC below this point to carry the revised 

discharge of 5500 or 4000 cusecs. 

v) Have a foreshore flood flow canal from the Tungabhadra reservoir up to PABR and 

draw the 16-20 TMC to A.P. (a flood flow canal parallel to existing Right High Level 

Canal) to benefit both Bellary district and Anantapur district to utilize 30 TMC of water 

in 30 surplusing days. 

2. The next source is the river Krishna only and since Anantapur district lies at higher 

level than the Krishna River in A.P. water has to be lifted. The most convenient place 

would be the Srisailam reservoir foreshore. It has already been established that 19.33 

TMC of water is available due to change in cropping pattern in the Nagarjunasagar 

Canals and another 25 TMC can be saved by modernization of the Nagarjunasagar 

canals. The total 19.33 + 25.00 = 44.33 TMC has to be lifted and provided for Anantapur 

District. This concept has already been conceived by the Government in the name 

of HNSS (40 TMC for irrigation + 5.50 TMC for drinking water) 

Even after taking into account the above two proposals, the deficit would be 100- 

16-44=40 TMC for mitigating the distress of the district to a minimum level from 

the drought conditions. 

 

53

3. The above short-fall can be made good from the Godavari waters to be diverted to 

Krishna basin and the corresponding quantity may be diverted from Krishna basin 

to Anantapur District. 

By augmenting at least 100 TMC additional water to Anantapur district as explained 

above, the desertification could be prevented and the distress conditions minimized. It is 

not out of place to reiterate here that Indira Gandhi Nahar Project has mitigated the desert 

conditions in some of the areas of Rajasthan, brought prosperity and improved the quality 

of life the people. In a similar way, a canal to bring additional water is needed to prevent the 

desertification of Anantapur District and adjoining areas. 

14.0 CONCULSION 

To achieve the target of providing 100 TMC of water additionally; taking advantage 

of the concept of “JALAYAGNAM” taken up in the year 2004: it is believed that only in 

“SAMAIKYANDHRA” the prospects of Rayalaseema Region, Mahaboob Nagar, Nalgonda, 

Prakasam and particularly Anantapur district are guaranteed by strong representation to 

Central Govt. by a undivided A.P. state for necessary Assistance both financially and 

politically. 

BASIN WISE, MANDAL WISE IRRIGATION SOURCES 

IN ANANTAPUR DISTRICT, UNDER MINOR IRRIGATON 

S.No. Name of the Mandal No. of Total ayacut Water Villages i n 

Acres 

requirement 

Pennar Basin 

In Mcft. 

(@ 5 acres/ 

Mcft) 

1. Hindupur 16 240 48 

2. Parigi 14 2830 566 

3. Roddam 48 5800 1160 

4. Ramagiri 38 2030 406 

5. Kambadur 34 2690 538 

6. Kanaganipalli 58 1680 336 

7. Kalyandurgam 96 — — 

8. Belugappa 9 — — 

9. Kuderu 210 960 192 

10. Uravakonda 24 440 88 

11. Vajrakrur 33 — — 

12. Pamidi 19 1830 366 

13. Garladinne 21 3430 686 

14. Peddavaduguru 37 2080 416 

15. Singanamala 50 5080 1016 

(Catchment Area: 9569 Sq.k, (23,64,500 Acres) 

54

16. Peddapappur 22 2170 434 

17. Tadipatri 64 3890 778 

4500 900 

793 35150 7030 

Chitravati Sub-Basin (Catchment Area: 4946 Sq.km. (12,22,157 Acres) 18. Chilamatturu 102 

19. Gorantla 152 4750 950 

20. Puttaparthi 35 1570 314 

21. Penukonda 25 2780 556 

22. Chennekothapalli 57 2810 562 

23. Dharmavaram 50 3780 756 

24. Battalapalli 54 1000 200 

25. Tadimarri 6 510 102 

26. Mudigubba 56 2600 520 

27. Yellanur 32 1360 272 

28. Kothacheruvu 39 4300 860 

608 29960 5992 

Vedavathi (Hagari) Sub-Basin (Catchment Area 4030 Sq.km) 

29. Gummaghatta 31 2960 592 

30. Brahmasamudram 33 350 70 

31. Rayadurgam 32 2660 532 

32. Belugappa 9 — — 

33. Kanekal 9 2750 550 

34. Bommanhal 19 — — 

133 8720 1744 

Papagni Subt-Basin (Catchment Area: 590 Sq.km. ( 1,45,789 Acres) 

35. Tanakal 89 2580 570 

36. N.P.kunta 71 1430 286 

Total 160 4280 856 

Grand Total 1694 78110 15,622 M. 

or 

15.622 M 

 

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