A New Lifeline for Tirupati: Bridging the HNSS and Kalyani Dam.

A major drinking water and irrigation project has been initiated in Chandragiri to divert water from the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi Canal to Kalyani Dam, with the objective of improving water security for Tirupati and nearby regions.

The integrated project, estimated at ₹126.60 crore, is designed to provide both drinking water supply and irrigation support, making it the first scheme of its kind in the region. The plan includes the construction of a 28-km pipeline network, featuring a lift system at the 7.8-km mark to draw water from the 59-km point of the HNSS canal. Survey activities have been completed, tenders have been finalised, and construction is expected to commence by the end of the month, with project completion targeted within two years. Authorities have stated that drinking water supply to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is expected to begin by next summer.

Under the project, around 432.32 million cubic feet (mcft) of water will be diverted to various tanks, including 400 mcft allocated to Kalyani Dam. The scheme is also expected to stabilise irrigation across 1,154 acres of agricultural land while ensuring drinking water availability for Tirupati and Tirumala for nearly 120 days each year. A 250 HP pump house and pressure pipeline system will support efficient water transfer operations.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.