POLAVARAM PHASE-II: CM seeks Rs 42,500 cr, interstate clearance

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stepped up his efforts with the Centre to secure funding and clearances for key irrigation and capital-region projects, seeking Rs 42,500 crore for Polavaram Phase-II and urging the Union government to resolve pending interstate issues holding up components of the project.

During his meeting with Jal Shakti minister C R Patil in Delhi on Thursday, Naidu explained the progress of Polavaram works and sought timely release of funds for both construction and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R). He said the project was progressing rapidly with the objective of completing it and dedicating it to the nation by the next Godavari Pushkarams.

The Chief Minister said R&R works required for impounding water up to the 41.15-metre contour were being expedited and assured that the State was giving equal priority to displaced families and project construction. He also discussed works required for eventual impounding up to the 45.72-metre contour and urged the Centre to ensure that funds did not become a constraint.

A major part of the discussions centred on issues involving Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Naidu sought permanent withdrawal of the Stop Work Order issued by the Central Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry in connection with pending public hearings for protective embankments to be constructed in the two neighbouring States. Though the order is currently in abeyance, he sought its complete withdrawal.

He asked the Union Ministry to coordinate with Odisha and Chhattisgarh and persuade them to expedite the public hearings. Naidu also proposed a meeting of the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh under the chairmanship of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, saying the issues could be resolved through cooperation, coordination and a spirit of give-and-take.

Naidu also briefed Patil on the Jal Jeevan Mission–Amarajeevi Jaladhara programme, involving works estimated at Rs 30,000 crore. Andhra Pradesh has around 95 lakh rural households, of which 62 lakh already have tap connections, he said. Foundation stones have recently been laid for works aimed at providing connections to another 27 lakh households. He sought prompt release of Central funds in line with the progress of the works.

The Chief Minister highlighted the need to utilise Godavari floodwaters, noting that large quantities of water were flowing into the sea, and referred to the Pattiseema project as an example of diversion and utilisation. He also explained the potential benefits of river interlinking in the southern States and said efforts were being made to develop Polavaram as a major tourism and spiritual destination.

In a separate meeting with Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Naidu sought Central support for the proposed 189-km Outer Ring Road around Amaravati, describing it as critical to meeting the growing transport requirements of the capital region and Vijayawada.

Naidu submitted a memorandum seeking approval, funding and other support for key road infrastructure projects. He also sought backing for the Beach Road project, which he said would improve connectivity among coastal cities, tourist destinations, ports and industrial hubs. The Chief Minister further sought Gadkari’s support for an iconic bridge connecting the left and right embankments at the Polavaram project site and for roads and bridges required in connection with the irrigation project.

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