Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Water Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday and requested the central government to expedite clearances and extend financial support for key irrigation and water conservation projects, including the Polavaram project.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. (x)In a statement, the Andhra Pradesh government said Naidu highlighted the strategic importance of irrigation and drinking water infrastructure for the state. Naidu said that timely central assistance is crucial to protect Andhra Pradesh’s interests, secure farmers’ livelihoods and ensure long-term water security.
Pending proposals, increased expenditure on national projects and long-standing inter-state river water disputes were discussed in the meeting.
Naidu pressed for permanent lifting of the stop-work order imposed on the Polavaram project, the statement said. It told Naidu Patil that the order hampered implementation of the project despite its national status. Naidu sought reimbursement of additional cost incurred due to increased carrying capacity of the right and left main canals and requested full central funding for Polavaram Phase II.
Naidu said the second phase, which includes land acquisition, resettlement and resettlement of displaced families and construction of protective embankments would require an estimated additional allocation. ₹32,000 crores. He emphasized that assured funding and administrative clearance are essential to complete the project within a specified time frame.
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Naidu appealed for approval and support for the proposed Polavaram-Nallamala Sea Link Project, which aims to divert surplus Godavari flood water to drought-prone areas of Andhra Pradesh. Describing it as a lifeline initiative, Naidu said the project would cater to drinking water, irrigation and industrial needs. He sought technical and financial assistance under the National River Linkage Policy.
On inter-state water disputes, Naidu urged the Center to notify the final report of the Bhamsadhar Water Disputes Tribunal without delay. He said the gazette notification would enable construction of the Neradi barrage on the Bhamsadhara river, a key project linked to Andhra Pradesh’s dispute with Odisha.
He flagged up the ongoing dispute with Telangana over Godavari water sharing. Naidu called for the immediate formation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal to ensure equitable allocation among the states of the river basin. He objected to the proposal to raise the height of the Almaty Dam on the Upper Krishna River in Karnataka. Naidu warned that any such move would have serious adverse implications for downstream water availability in Andhra Pradesh.
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Officials who attended the meeting said Patil assured Naidu that the Center would examine the proposals and concerns as per established procedures and legal framework.
