Polavaram-Banakacherla link project critical to supplying water to drought-hit areas: CM Naidu to Shah

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today said the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project is critical to supplying water to drought-hit areas in the state.

Naidu raised the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed various projects and financial matters.

The Chief Minister informed Amit Shah that the 16th Finance Commission has been requested to consider the financial losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to bifurcation while allocating funds. He also raised the issue of the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, which is critical to supplying water to drought-hit areas in the state. The Chief Minister explained that the project proposes to divert 200 TMC of floodwater from Polavaram to the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.

If this interlinking project is completed, it will significantly benefit the drought-prone Rayalaseema region, he said.

Chief Minister hailed Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Central Government, for appointing senior TDP leader and former Union Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the Governor of Goa.

Chief Minister briefed the Home Minister about the need for financial support for various projects and development programs in the state. The CM also expressed his gratitude to the Centre for supporting the state during challenging times over the past year. He said the state is working to rebuild its shattered economy with central assistance.

However, he highlighted that Andhra Pradesh continues to face a severe shortage of financial resources and urged the Centre to extend further support.

The Chief Minister further explained to Amit Shah that even after meeting the needs of the upper and lower riparian states, surplus water from the Godavari River continues to flow steadily for about 90 to 120 days. He stressed that, as the last state on the river's course, Andhra Pradesh has the rightful claim to fully utilise this surplus water from the Godavari.

Earlier, NITI Aayog Member V.K. Saraswat met with the Chief Minister at his Delhi residence. They discussed the establishment of aerospace and defence industries in Andhra Pradesh. The CM informed Saraswat that the government is planning to set up defence industries in the Rayalaseema region. They also discussed the region’s suitability for such industries and the steps needed to attract investments in this sector.

Later, Delhi Metro Rail Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar also met the Chief Minister. They held discussions on cooperation for the construction of metro projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.