CM Chandrababu Seeks Centre’s Support to Expedite Polavaram Project Works

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in New Delhi and discussed the progress of the Polavaram project, along with the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amarajeevi Jala Dhaara works in the state. Naidu urged the Centre to release funds on time in accordance with the progress of these projects.

During the meeting, attended by senior officials, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the Polavaram project had achieved 83% physical progress and 78% financial progress, while civil works were 88% complete. Land acquisition and rehabilitation works have reached 64% in financial terms. The state government has set a target of completing the project by 2027, with the larger objective of helping make Andhra Pradesh drought-free.

Ramanaidu said around Rs 42,500 crore would be required for the remaining land acquisition, rehabilitation and other works under Phase-II. The state has requested the Centre to release the necessary funds to maintain the pace of construction.

Naidu also raised the issue of the ‘Stop Work Order’ issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change concerning protective bunds in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Though the order is currently not being enforced, he sought its permanent withdrawal and urged the Centre to coordinate with the two states to complete the required public hearings.

The Chief Minister proposed a meeting involving the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to resolve pending issues through coordination and mutual cooperation.

The meeting also covered rehabilitation and resettlement required for water storage up to the 41.15-metre contour, besides preparations for storage up to 45.72 metres. Naidu stressed the need to ensure adequate funding for the project and address the concerns of displaced families.

The state is also planning to improve connectivity around Polavaram, including links to the proposed Amaravati-Kharagpur six-lane economic corridor and key national highways. The 1,118-metre spillway, with 48 radial gates, is proposed to be developed as a tourism attraction with viewing galleries and lighting facilities. Around 9,900 acres have been identified for an integrated tourism hub.

Ramanaidu said the state also sought expansion of the Bhadrachalam-Rajamahendravaram-Kakinada National Waterway and faster progress on the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project through Banakacherla. He noted that nearly 122 TMC of Godavari floodwater had flowed into the sea in a single day this year, underlining the need to conserve surplus water.

Naidu also briefed Patil on Jal Jeevan Mission works, noting that 62 lakh of the state’s 95 lakh rural households already have tap connections. Projects worth around Rs 30,000 crore are being taken up to provide connections to another 27 lakh households.