Naidu dedicates PLIS to nation

• After unveiling the pylon on the banks of River Godavari, the CM complimented Irrigation Minister and officials concerned for their hard work in the last 5 months
• It’s a path-breaking project since it links two major rivers Godavari and Krishna

Eluru: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the government will take all necessary steps to make the State-drought-free zone- with the completion of Polavaram Multipurpose Irrigation Project before 2018. The Chief Minister dedicated the prestigious Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (PLIS) to the nation at a public meeting held at Pattiseema Village in Polavaram mandal of West Godavari district on Saturday evening.

He came to project site and unveiled the Pylon of Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme on the banks of River Godavari and later examined the PLIS works progress. Addressing a public meeting, Naidu said “Today is a historic day and it’s to be written in golden letters in the history of Andhra Pradesh. We have done it, as we linked Krishna and Godavari rivers with the construction of Pattiseema Lift Irrigation scheme. I am very happy to be part of this golden moment,’”

He added “After bifurcation of United Andhra Pradesh we were facing lot of problems including lack of a capital city, funds and unemployment. However, TDP came to power and resolved to develop the State with the co-operation of every citizen and could do its best so far,” he said. He termed Polavaram project as `essential’ for the State to augment water problems in twin Godavari districts and once it is completed, the farmers will get sufficient water to their crops.

He lamented the Opposition, particularly the YSRCP for mis-guiding the people on Pattiseema project. Till my last breath, I’ll do justice to the people of two Godavari districts” the CM added. He pointed out that the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme was planned in January, 2015 and foundation stone was laid on March, 29. Within 4 months and 15 days, the project was on the verge of completion in a record time.

“Unfortunately, heavy rains delayed the works of the project and the Right Main Canal works of Polavaram,” he added. The Pattiseema will be completed soon and water will flow to Polavaram right main canal towards Krishna Delta. From there it will be diverted to Srisailam for supply to Rayalaseema areas. The YSRCP tried to obstruct the construction of Pattiseema with malicious allegations that the farmers of Godavari were cheated.

He said “No injustice has been done to West and East Godavari farmers. Also the linkage of rivers in the country takes off with Pattiseema,” he pointed out. “We have to put in more efforts to finish the task and if necessary, I will borrow money from outside to complete the Polavaram project by 2018,” he said and complimented Irrigation Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, District Collector K Bhaskar, Irrigation Principal Secretary Adityanath Das, Irrigation Chief Engineer M Venkateswara Rao, Pattiseema Chief Engineer Ramesh and other department officials and personnel for their efforts in the last five months.

He reiterated that the PLIS will be completed by March, 2016 with 24 pumps and the Godavari water will be linked up with Krishna to be diverted to Rayalaseema. He promised completion of Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme by next year and assured of water from Polavaram project to 3rd crop, if necessary.

Ministers Pydikondala Manikyala Rao, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Peethala Sujatha, MP Maganti Babu, Irrigation Principal Secretary Adityanath Das and others spoke on the occasion. Several Legislators, Narsapuram MP Gokaraju Gangaraju and others participated in the public meeting.