Gandikota Project Phase-II Moves Forward to Resolve Western Chittoor Water Crisis

The long-awaited Gandikota Project is poised to provide a lasting answer to the persistent drinking water crisis currently affecting the western regions of Chittoor. As the state government accelerates the implementation of the project’s second phase, residents in these drought-prone areas are expected to see significant relief from the water shortages that have plagued them for decades.

For many years, the communities in western Chittoor have relied heavily on diminishing groundwater resources. The new initiative aims to provide a reliable and consistent supply of potable water, marking a major shift in how the region manages its essential liquid assets. The tender process for the second phase is now actively underway, setting the stage to extend the water supply network into the Madanapalle, Punganur, Palamaner, and Kuppam constituencies.

Advancing the Gandikota Project Infrastructure

This comprehensive development effort is being carried out in two distinct phases, with a total estimated investment exceeding ₹5,250 crore. While the second phase is valued at ₹2,886 crore, the first phase—already in progress—has an outlay of ₹2,370 crore. Collectively, these efforts are designed to ensure drinking water security across seven Assembly constituencies located in the Annamayya and Chittoor districts.

The logistical framework of the project involves drawing water from the Gandikota reservoir in Kadapa district and transporting it through an expansive dedicated transmission network. A balancing reservoir will be established at Gandikota to facilitate the movement of water to treatment facilities being constructed in the Gurramkonda mandal of Annamayya district.

Expanding Water Treatment Capacity

To ensure high standards of water safety, separate treatment plants are being developed for each phase of the project. The treatment plant designated for Phase-I, with an estimated cost of ₹300 crore, is currently under construction. A secondary facility will follow the finalization of the Phase-II contract. Each of these plants is designed with a treatment capacity of 75 million litres per day (MLD), resulting in a combined purification capacity of 150 MLD for the entire system.

Government officials have indicated that this infrastructure is being built to accommodate both the immediate and future requirements of the populace. By addressing the severe shortages often faced during the peak summer months, the project will benefit several lakh people. With Phase-I work having commenced in April of last year and scheduled for completion by October 2027, the region is on a clear path toward long-term water stability, providing a vital resource to Rayachoti, Piler, and Thamballapalle once the initial phase is fully operational.