CM Naidu seeks Rs 1,000 crore Central boost for Jal Jeevan Mission, opposes Almatti Dam height increase

New Delhi: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Friday and appealed for immediate Central support to expedite major irrigation and drinking water projects in the state.

Aid from Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act

During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought urgent financial assistance for projects approved as part of the assurances under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

He urged the Centre to convene a high-level review meeting to resolve long-pending issues. Stressing that water security is critical for the state, he called for stronger Centre-State coordination on both irrigation and drinking water requirements.

Push for additional Rs 1,000 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission

CM Naidu requested an additional Rs 1,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the 2025–26 financial year. He informed the Union Minister that the state had already contributed Rs 524.41 crore as its share and urged the Centre to release the pending Central share at the earliest.

The Chief Minister brought to the minister’s notice that the state had submitted proposals for the restoration of tanks and canals under the PMKSY-RRR scheme. He said the timely release of Central funds would significantly boost irrigation capacity in rural areas.

CM Naidu also appealed for the immediate clearance of pending approvals related to various components of the Polavaram National Project. He briefed Minister Patil on the progress of the works and said a detailed report on funding requirements for Phase-II works would soon be submitted to the Centre.

CM expressed concerns over Vamsadhara Tribunal Orders

The Chief Minister expressed concern that the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal (VWDT) verdicts were yet to be fully implemented.

Highlighting the urgent need to construct the Neradi Barrage to address drought conditions in Srikakulam district, he sought clear guidelines from the Centre to ensure Andhra Pradesh’s rights are safeguarded.

Objection to Almatti dam height increase

CM Naidu also voiced strong opposition to Karnataka’s proposal to raise the height of the Almatti Dam, saying the move could adversely impact Andhra Pradesh.

Pointing out that Karnataka had initiated land acquisition for the expansion, he requested the Centre to restrain Karnataka, especially since the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

AP CM reaffirms state’s commitment to India’s ‘Chip to Ship’ Vision

In another meeting, CM Naidu met Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi on Friday and sought strong Central support for the development of the Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding ecosystem and key fishing harbour projects in the state.

The Chief Minister thanked the Union Government for the proactive policies introduced to strengthen India’s port sector and shipbuilding capabilities and said Andhra Pradesh is committed to contributing to the national ‘Chip to Ship’ vision.

CM Naidu informed the Union Minister that Andhra Pradesh is fully prepared to take up the National Mega Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Cluster at Dugarajapatnam. He said the state has already agreed to allocate 3,488 acres of land for the project and that the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) has been completed.

Dugarajapatnam as mega shipbuilding hub

Plans are in place to develop the project as a comprehensive cluster with MSME ancillary units and common infrastructure required for large-scale shipbuilding and ship repair activities.

He stressed that the project holds special significance as it aligns with the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The Chief Minister urged the Centre to grant early approval to declare Dugarajapatnam as a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster.

During the meeting, CM Naidu also requested the Centre to extend additional financial assistance for the state’s fishing harbour infrastructure. He said the government is implementing these projects with priority to improve the livelihoods of fishermen and modernise the fisheries sector.

Under Phase-1, the state has taken up four fishing harbours—Juvvaladinne, Nizampatnam, Machilipatnam and Uppada—at a total cost of Rs 1,361.49 crore. Of this, only the Juvvaladinne harbour has received Central assistance of Rs 138.29 crore, while the remaining three harbours are still awaiting support from the Union Government.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the Andhra Pradesh government has already spent Rs 782.29 crore on Phase-1 works, but an additional Rs 440.91 crore is still required to complete the four harbours.

He appealed to the Centre to sanction Rs 150 crore under the Sagarmala scheme for the construction of the proposed fishing harbour at Odaravu in Prakasam district.

In total, the state is seeking Rs 590.91 crore in Central support for fishing harbour development.