Why in News?
The Nagarjuna Sagar Project, one of India's largest multipurpose river valley projects, completed 59 years of service on August 4, 2026. Since its dedication to the nation in 1967, it has played a pivotal role in irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower generation, and regional development in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
About Nagarjuna Sagar Project
- River: Krishna River
- Location: Between Nalgonda district (Telangana) and Palnadu district (Andhra Pradesh)
- Foundation Stone: 10 December 1955 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
- Dam Construction Completed: 1965
- Canals Completed: 1967
- Dedicated to the Nation: 4 August 1967 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
- Type: Multipurpose River Valley Project
- Significance: One of the world's largest masonry dams and among India's most important irrigation projects.
Major Features
1. Irrigation
- Provides irrigation to nearly 24 lakh acres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Supports agriculture in thousands of villages, making it a major contributor to food security.
2. Drinking Water Supply
- Supplies drinking water to several districts in both states.
- Acts as a vital source of water security during dry seasons.
3. Industrial Development
- Ensures water availability for industries.
- Has promoted industrialization, employment generation, and regional economic growth.
4. Hydropower
- Houses a hydroelectric power station, contributing renewable energy to the regional grid.
Canal System
Left Canal (Lal Bahadur Canal)
- Length: About 179 km
- Water Allocation: 132 TMC
- Ayacut: Around 12 lakh acres
- Beneficiary Districts: Nalgonda, Suryapet, Khammam, and Bhadradri Kothagudem.
- Allocation Distribution:
- Telangana - 91.5 TMC
- Andhra Pradesh 40.5 TMC
Right Canal (Jawahar Canal)
- Length: About 203 km
- Water Allocation: 132 TMC
- Ayacut: Around 12 lakh acres
- Beneficiary Districts: Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Krishna.
Importance
- One of India's earliest and most successful multipurpose river valley projects.
- Improved agricultural productivity in drought-prone regions.
- Strengthened food security in the Telugu-speaking states.
- Boosted rural livelihoods and employment.
- Facilitated industrial expansion through assured water supply.
- Popularly referred to as the "Annapurna" of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana due to its contribution to agriculture.
Challenges
- Farmers in tail-end command areas continue to face inadequate irrigation.
- Around 1.5 lakh acres reportedly receive insufficient water.
- Calls for better canal maintenance, modernization, and equitable water distribution have increased.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagarjuna Sagar Project:
- It is built across the Krishna River.
- It is a multipurpose river valley project serving both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- It was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1967.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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1 and 2 only
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2 and 3 only
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1 and 3 only
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1, 2 and 3
Mains Practice Question
Q. Multipurpose river valley projects have been instrumental in ensuring irrigation, water security, and energy generation. Examine the achievements and challenges of the Nagarjuna Sagar Project.
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FAQs: Nagarjuna Sagar Project
Q1. Why is the Nagarjuna Sagar Project in the news?
Answer: The Nagarjuna Sagar Project completed 59 years of service on 4 August 2026. It continues to play a crucial role in irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower generation, and industrial development in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Q2. On which river is the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam built?
Answer: The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built across the Krishna River.
Q3. Which states benefit from the Nagarjuna Sagar Project?
Answer: The project primarily benefits Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by providing irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
Q4. Why is Nagarjuna Sagar called the "Annapurna" of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?
Answer: It is called the "Annapurna" because it provides irrigation to nearly 24 lakh acres, significantly boosting agricultural production and food security in the two states.
Q5. When was the Nagarjuna Sagar Project dedicated to the nation?
Answer: The project was dedicated to the nation on 4 August 1967 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
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