Polavaram Left Canal Ready to Bring Godavari Water to North Andhra

The Polavaram Left Canal is set to enter a crucial phase as Godavari water is planned to be released towards North Andhra on September 2, 2026. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to participate in the water-release programme at Sitarampuram–PL Puram near Payakaraopeta.

The development is significant for the Visakhapatnam region, as the canal system is expected to support drinking water, irrigation and industrial requirements in the coming years.

Chandrababu Naidu to Release Water on September 2

The state government is preparing for the release of Godavari water through the Polavaram Left Main Canal on September 2.

The programme at Payakaraopeta is expected to mark an important step in extending the benefits of the Polavaram Project towards North Coastal Andhra.

Officials are planning to move around 3,500 cusecs of water through the canal system as part of the current arrangements.

Anakapalli, Yelamanchili and Payakaraopeta to Benefit

The initial water distribution is expected to benefit areas including Anakapalli, Yelamanchili and Payakaraopeta.

Apart from irrigation requirements, the water will also support drinking-water needs in several habitations and urban areas along the distribution network.

Nearly 2.87 Lakh Acres to Get Irrigation Benefits

The latest plans indicate that Godavari water could provide irrigation benefits to around 2.87 lakh acres across the relevant ayacut areas.

The water is also planned to support existing irrigation systems and help fill tanks in the region, improving water availability for agriculture.

Drinking Water for Around 9.23 Lakh People

One of the major benefits of the project is its potential to improve drinking-water availability.

According to reports, the current arrangements are expected to benefit around 9.23 lakh people through drinking-water supply systems connected to the canal network.

What Does It Mean for Visakhapatnam?

For Visakhapatnam, the Polavaram Left Canal is particularly important because the city and its surrounding industrial belt require reliable long-term water sources.

The project is expected to supplement existing water resources and provide additional water for drinking and industrial requirements.

Reports indicate that around 250 cusecs is being considered for Visakhapatnam’s drinking and industrial requirements under the current arrangements.

27 TMC Water Storage Plan for Vizag

A broader plan is also being developed to manage around 27 TMC of water for the Visakhapatnam region.

The proposed storage and distribution system includes facilities such as Kanithi Balancing Reservoir, along with other storage locations that can help regulate and distribute the incoming Godavari water.

The Kanithi Balancing Reservoir is planned to play an important role in the city’s future water-supply system.

Kanithi–Narava Pipeline

Infrastructure is also being developed to strengthen the water-distribution network.

A major pipeline connecting Kanithi and Narava is expected to improve the movement of water within the Visakhapatnam system and provide greater flexibility for supplying different parts of the city.

This supporting infrastructure will be important to ensure that the additional water reaching the region can eventually be distributed efficiently.

Polavaram Project’s Official Vizag Water Provision

According to the Polavaram Project Authority, the Polavaram Left Main Canal is approximately 182 km long.

The official project information includes a provision of about 23.44 TMC of water for Visakhapatnam city, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and drinking-water facilities.

This figure should not be confused with the separately reported 27 TMC regional storage/distribution plan. The two numbers refer to different planning provisions.

Why Godavari Water Matters for Vizag

Visakhapatnam is witnessing rapid growth in population, industries and major infrastructure investments.

As industrial activity expands, the demand for reliable water supplies is also increasing. Additional Godavari water through the Polavaram system could therefore become an important component of the city’s long-term water security.

The project has the potential to support three major requirements — drinking water, agriculture and industry — across North Andhra.

A Major Milestone for North Andhra

The September 2 water-release programme could become a significant milestone in the long journey of the Polavaram Project.

With Godavari water moving towards North Andhra, areas around Payakaraopeta, Yelamanchili and Anakapalli are expected to gain additional irrigation and drinking-water support, while Visakhapatnam stands to benefit from additional water for its growing urban and industrial needs.

The success of the long-term plan will depend not only on canal water availability but also on completing the required reservoirs, pipelines, pumping systems and distribution infrastructure.

5. FAQs

When will Godavari water be released through the Polavaram Left Canal?

The water-release programme is scheduled for September 2, 2026, at Payakaraopeta.

Where will Chandrababu Naidu participate in the programme?

The Chief Minister is scheduled to participate in the programme at Sitarampuram–PL Puram near Payakaraopeta.

How much water is planned to be released?

Around 3,500 cusecs of water is planned to be moved through the canal system under the current arrangements.

Will Visakhapatnam receive Polavaram water?

Yes. The Polavaram system includes provisions for supplying water to Visakhapatnam’s drinking and industrial requirements.

How much water is allocated for Visakhapatnam in the official Polavaram project?

The Polavaram Project Authority’s official project information mentions a provision of 23.44 TMC for Visakhapatnam city, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and drinking-water facilities.

How many people could benefit from drinking water?

The current North Andhra distribution plan is expected to provide drinking-water benefits to around 9.23 lakh people.

How many acres could receive irrigation benefits?

The current plan is expected to provide irrigation benefits to around 2.87 lakh acres.