CM Chandrababu Meets Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in Delhi and discussed the progress of the Polavaram project and the Jal Jeevan Mission–Amarajeevi Jaladhara works. The Chief Minister said Polavaram works were progressing rapidly with the aim of completing the project and dedicating it to the nation by the next Godavari Pushkarams. He urged the Centre to release funds for the projects without delay. Naidu also requested the Centre to facilitate the completion of pending public consultations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh and permanently withdraw the stop-work order related to protective embankment works being taken up as part of the Polavaram project.

The Chief Minister also discussed rehabilitation and R&R works required to store water up to the 41.15-metre and 45.72-metre contours at Polavaram. He said rehabilitation of displaced families was being given equal importance alongside the construction of the project. Naidu explained the efforts to utilise Godavari floodwaters through the Pattiseema project and said steps were being taken to develop Polavaram as a tourism and spiritual destination. He informed the Union Minister that Andhra Pradesh has around 95 lakh rural families, of which 62 lakh already have tap connections, while works have recently begun to provide drinking-water connections to another 27 lakh rural families. He urged the Centre to ensure timely funding for the Jal Jeevan Mission works and also explained the benefits of river-linking projects.