HNSS & GNSS Projects to Boost Drinking Water Supply to Tirumala & Tirupati

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government announced plans to enhance drinking water supply to Tirumala and Tirupati. The initiative will be implemented through strengthening the HNSS (Handri–Neeva) and GNSS (Galeru–Nagari) irrigation projects.

Handri–Neeva Sujala Sravanti (HNSS) Project:

• One of the longest lift irrigation projects in the Rayalaseema region.
• Water Source: Krishna River floodwaters (up to 40 TMC).

Major Features

• Irrigation Coverage: ~6.025 lakh acres
• Drinking Water Supply: Nearly 33 lakh people
• Beneficiary Districts:
  • Kurnool
  • Anantapur
  • Sri Sathya Sai
  • Kadapa
  • Chittoor

Importance

• Crucial for drought-prone Rayalaseema region

Galeru–Nagari Sujala Sravanti (GNSS) Project:

• Designed to divert surplus water from Srisailam Reservoir.
• Irrigation Coverage: ~2.6–2.65 lakh acres Drinking Water Supply: ~5–20 lakh people
• Beneficiary Districts: Kadapa, Chittoor and Nellore
• Water Utilisation: 38–40 TMC of Krishna floodwaters