The Andhra Pradesh government has bestowed a new and significant name upon its ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) water grid initiative. The scheme will now be known as 'Amarajeevi Jaladhara', a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter Amarajeevi Potti Sreeramulu. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Saturday during the launch of the scheme's official poster.
A Tribute to a Telugu Legend
Potti Sreeramulu is revered for his ultimate sacrifice, having fasted until death to demand a separate state for Telugu-speaking people from the erstwhile Madras Presidency. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan explained that the decision to name the water scheme after him was a conscious effort to ensure that future generations remember his sacrifice for the formation of Andhra Pradesh. The name 'Amarajeevi Jaladhara' symbolically links the life-giving essence of water to the immortal legacy of the leader.
Massive Infrastructure Projects Launched
Alongside the renaming ceremony, Pawan Kalyan laid the foundation stone for two critical water grid projects under the scheme. These projects are located in Peravali, within the Nidadavolu constituency of West Godavari district. With a combined cost of ₹3,050 crore, these initiatives are designed to provide safe drinking water to 68 lakh families spread across 23 constituencies in the twin Godavari districts.
This is part of a larger, state-wide effort. The government is currently implementing five major water grid projects across five districts, with a staggering total investment of ₹7,910 crore. Upon completion, this comprehensive network is projected to quench the thirst of approximately 1.21 crore people for the next three decades.
Expanding the Water Grid Network
The foundation stone for the Amarajeevi Jaladhara scheme in Peravali follows a similar launch in Markapuram, Prakasam district, where the Deputy Chief Minister had earlier initiated works. This sequential rollout highlights the government's focused strategy to address water scarcity and ensure tap water connectivity to every household, aligning with the national Jal Jeevan Mission's objectives but with a distinct regional identity and historical resonance.
The move is seen as a significant step in bolstering rural and urban water infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. By coupling a massive public utility project with the name of a beloved state icon, the government aims to instill a sense of pride and ownership among citizens while working towards a fundamental developmental goal.
