Linking Krishna and Godavari, Andhra’s Pattiseema scheme enters Limca Book of Records

Andhra's ambitious river-linking project, titled the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, has found itself a place in the Limca Book of Records for being completed within a year.

The project interlinked the Godavari river and the Krishna river in Andhra's West Godavari district.

It was declared "the first and fastest such irrigation project in the country to be completed in time, without any budget enhancements."

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, "Proud to see Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project make it to the Limca Book of records."

In what is claimed to be the first-ever river interlinking in south India, the project sought to meet the irrigation and drinking water needs of drought-prone Rayalaseema region in the state.

The state had said that about 3000 TMC of Godavari water flows away into the Bay of Bengal every year, while there is hardly enough water in the Krishna. The state's idea is to divert the surplus Godavari water into the Krishna basin and eventually Rayalaseema.

The 'Pattiseema' Lift Irrigation Scheme, proposes to lift water from Godavari's right bank, near the Pattisam village, and drop it into the Polavaram project's right canal.

The project is designed to draw 120 tmc ft (thousand million cubic feet) water from Godavari and release it into the Krishna. This is expected to change the face of both Rayalaseema and the Krishna delta.

Considered the rice bowl of Andhra, the Krishna delta is facing water shortage due to construction of dams in upstream Karnataka.

Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has completed the first phase work in less than six months.

The project was first mooted in the 1950s by eminent engineer KL Rao, who was also the central water resources Minister. The plan was revived during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's NDA government but could be taken up only last year.

However, it is not without controversy, as it is expected to have displaced several families, and faced stiff opposition from various political parties in the state.