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TDP Minister Seeks Central Support for Polavaram, Water Projects

TDP Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu met with Jal Shakti Ministry Secretary VL Kantha Rao to discuss the acceleration of the Polavaram project and related rehabilitation works. He requested immediate central approvals for pending designs and financial support for enhancing canal capacity and a new project to utilize wasted Godavari water. The minister also sought assistance for coastal protection and raised concerns about Karnataka's actions on the Almatti Dam. This meeting follows a recent discussion between the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where they agreed on water usage monitoring and establishing a committee to resolve inter-state water issues.

Key Points: TDP Minister Meets Jal Shakti Secretary on Polavaram Project

  • Rapid progress on Polavaram project
  • Accelerated relief for displaced families
  • Request for clearances on canals and new projects
  • Call for financial aid for flood and erosion management
  • Agreement with Telangana on water monitoring
2 min read

TDP Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu meets Secretary of Jal Shakti Ministry

TDP Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu meets Jal Shakti Secretary, seeks approvals for Polavaram, financial aid for water management, and resolution on Almatti Dam.

"Explained that, on average, about 3,000 TMC of water flows into the Bay of Bengal every year without being utilised. - Nimmala Rama Naidu"

Rajahmundry, March 25

Telugu Desam Party Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu on Wednesday met Secretary of Jal Shakti Ministry, VL Kantha Rao, who visited to inspect the Polavaram project works.

The minister stated that, with the support of the central government, the Polavaram project works are progressing rapidly.

Along with construction, relief and rehabilitation (R&R) works for displaced families are also being accelerated.

He requested immediate approvals for pending designs required for the project construction and sought support for reimbursement related to the increased capacity of Polavaram right and left main canals to 17,500 cusecs.

He also sought technical and financial clearances for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar project to utilise Godavari floodwaters that are currently going to waste into the sea. "Explained that, on average, about 3,000 TMC of water flows into the Bay of Bengal every year without being utilised."

Naidu asked for assistance to protect coastal and riverbank areas affected by cyclones, erosion, and tidal impacts. He also requested support for strengthening river embankments of major rivers, including Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Vamsadhara, and Nagavali.

Naidu also sought financial assistance for desilting and widening of the delta drains and river mouths where they meet the sea.

He urged the Centre to ensure that Karnataka does not proceed with land acquisition and R&R works related to the Almatti Dam height issue, as it is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Kantha Rao assured support for RRR (Repair, Renovation & Restoration), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and flood management works.

Earlier, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu deliberated key issues concerning water management between the two states during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in the national capital.

During the meeting, the Telangana Chief Minister proposed the idea of implementing telemetry in all water projects and reservoirs to measure actual water usage, which was accepted by Andhra Pradesh, according to the Telangana CMO release.

Both sides agreed to allocate the Godavari River Management Board in Hyderabad and the Krishna RMB in Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh acceded to Telangana's proposal to repair the prestigious Srisailam project immediately, the release said.

An Officers' and Technical Experts' committee will be established to address all pending issues between the two sides, including the long-pending water projects in Telangana for both the Krishna and Godavari river basins, it said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Finally some positive news on interstate water cooperation! The agreement between AP and Telangana to use telemetry is a game-changer. It brings transparency. If states can work together like this on Godavari and Krishna, it sets a great example for the rest of the country. 🤝
R
Rahul R
3000 TMC of Godavari water wasted into the sea every year is a national shame. The Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project to utilise this is an excellent idea. We need more such inter-basin transfer projects. Water management is key for India's future food security.
P
Priyanka N
While the focus on big projects is good, I hope the "strengthening of river embankments" and desilting of drains gets equal priority and funding. Coastal Andhra faces severe erosion and cyclone damage. These are immediate concerns for people living there.
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Michael C
Respectfully, the article mentions a lot of requests for financial clearances and assistance. As a taxpayer, I hope there is rigorous oversight on how these funds are used. Mega-projects have a history of cost overruns and delays. Accountability is key.
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Aman W
The Almatti Dam mention is crucial. Karnataka should not do anything unilateral while the matter is in the Supreme Court. All river water disputes must be resolved legally and through dialogue, not by creating facts on the ground. Centre must ensure this.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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