Polavaram project-affected people to be shifted by September: Jagan

Eluru: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the government would shift Polavaram project-affected people to rehabilitation colonies by September. Jagan said due to safety measures given by Central Water Commission (CWC), water in the Polavaram will first be filled up to 41.15 meters. Water can only be stored to its full capacity in a phased manner for three years in a row.

"The water in Polavaram irrigation Project will be filled at full storage capacity only after the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) of the affected families was completed up to +45.72 contour level", said Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Jagan made these comments during the two-day visit to the flood-affected areas in Koyuguru and Chatti villages in Alluri Sitaramaraju District. He also visited Kannaigutta, Thirumalapuram, and Narlavaram villages of Eluru District. He interacted with the villages and addressed their grievances. Jagan assured to shift Polavaram project-affected people to their rehabilitation colonies by September.

Letters to the Centre

Jagan stated that the government is pursuing the Centre on R&R package and putting efforts into getting funds from the Centre. The state government has been continuously giving letters to the Centre, requesting to release funds.

"The R&R package costs over Rs 20,000 crore, which is beyond the capacity of the AP government. It must be provided by the Centre. The Centre owes Rs 2900 crore to the State for R&R works", he added. During his visit, Jagan announced that a new Revenue Division would be created with four Polavaram mandals- Chinturu, Nellipaka, Kunavaram, and VR Puram in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

For those villages that lost their houses in the Godavari floods, Jagan directed the officials to start the enumeration and provide increased financial aid of Rs 10,000 to each of those families. The state government also promised to construct houses for people displaced from Polavaram at the earliest.