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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Amit Shah met in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI_News)
In meetings with Union ministers in New Delhi, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sought the Centre’s support for the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, which he said would help drought-proof the Rayalaseema region.
Naidu said the project proposes to divert 200 TMC of floodwater from Polavaram to the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district. Even after meeting the needs of upper and lower riparian states, surplus water from the Godavari flows for 90 to 120 days, he told Shah. Andhra Pradesh, being the last state on the river’s course, has a rightful claim to fully utilise this water, he said.
The Chief Minister said a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted soon and sought timely approvals. The Polavaram project is located in Eluru and East Godavari districts, while Banakacherla lies in Kurnool. The plan involves a three-part water transfer system: the Bollapalle reservoir in Palnadu district, lift irrigation systems, and tunnels through the Nallamala hills. Naidu said the project would support national missions such as Jal Jeevan, Blue Revolution, and Make in India.
He also raised concerns about the state’s financial condition and urged the Centre for additional support. He informed Shah that the 16th Finance Commission has been requested to consider the financial losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to bifurcation while allocating funds.
In his meetings with Shah and NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat, Naidu also raised other issues concerning the state’s development. The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for its support during the state’s “challenging times” over the past year and said Andhra Pradesh is working to rebuild its economy with Central assistance.
With Saraswat, Naidu discussed plans to set up aerospace and defence industries in the Rayalaseema region. They spoke about the region’s suitability for such industries and steps needed to attract investment.
Delhi Metro Rail Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar also met the Chief Minister. They discussed cooperation on the construction of metro projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
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