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Key Points

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to seek central support for the Rs 80,112 crore Polavaram-Banakacherla project. The initiative aims to divert surplus Godavari water to drought-hit Rayalaseema through reservoirs and tunnels. Naidu emphasized its potential as a national model for river-linking and drought relief. The project’s detailed report is expected by mid-2025.

Key Points: Chandrababu Naidu Seeks Rs 80,112 Cr Polavaram-Banakacherla Drought Project Support

  • Rs 80,112 cr project diverts Godavari floodwaters to drought-hit areas
  • Three-phase plan includes Bollapalle reservoir and Nallamala tunnels
  • Proposal seeks interlinking of Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers
  • DPR expected by June 2025
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Chandrababu Naidu seeks Centre's support for Rs 80,112 cr Polavaram-Banakacherla link project to tackle drought in Andhra

Andhra CM Naidu meets Nirmala Sitharaman for central backing on Polavaram-Banakacherla river-linking project to tackle drought in Rayalaseema.

"Powered by Centre-State collaboration, this river-linking initiative will ensure water access and long-term development for our people. – Chandrababu Naidu"

New Delhi, May 23

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on Friday and submitted a proposal seeking central support for the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project.

The project aims to divert surplus Godavari floodwater to drought-affected areas in Andhra Pradesh through a three-part water transfer system. It includes the Bollapalle reservoir, lift irrigation systems, and tunnels through the Nallamala hills.

It will use lift irrigation and tunnels to connect the regions in three phases.

According to a release, a detailed financing plan has been proposed, building on earlier discussions with the Finance Ministry.

The Chief Minister said the project would benefit millions in drought-hit areas and serve as a model for river-linking across India. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected by June 2025.In a post on X, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wrote, "Had a productive meeting with Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman Ji in Delhi today. We discussed the crucial Polavaram-Banakacherla project aimed at taking Godavari waters to the drought-hit regions of Andhra Pradesh. Powered by Centre-State collaboration, this river-linking initiative will ensure water access and long-term development for our people."

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu also met with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to discuss and submit a proposal for the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, aiming to enhance water resource management and infrastructure development in the region.

The Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme is a massive project proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Government at an estimated cost of Rs 80,112 crore.

The plan involves diverting 200 TMC of water from the Godavari River at Polavaram to Rayalaseema through the Bollapalli reservoir and Banakacherla head regulator. The proposal seeks to interlink the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers.

Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu will also meet with Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology, to discuss research, innovation, and industrial science collaborations. He will also meet with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Finally some concrete action on water management! Rayalaseema has suffered droughts for decades. Hope the Centre approves this quickly - it's not just about Andhra but setting an example for inter-state river linking across India. 🙏
P
Priya M.
80,000 crore is a huge amount! While the project sounds beneficial, I hope there's proper transparency in spending. We've seen many irrigation scams in the past. The DPR should be made public for scrutiny before final approval.
S
Suresh V.
As someone from Anantapur, this project gives us hope! Our farmers have been struggling with failed crops year after year. If implemented properly, this can transform Rayalaseema into a fertile region. Jai Hind!
A
Ananya R.
Good initiative but what about environmental impact? Tunneling through Nallamala hills could affect wildlife and tribal habitats. Development is important but not at the cost of ecology. Hope they conduct proper EIA studies.
K
Karthik B.
Centre should support this 100%. Water is a national resource and drought mitigation is crucial for food security. After Polavaram delays, we can't afford more setbacks. Hope other states learn from AP's planning.
M
Meena S.
While the project is ambitious, I worry about displacement of people near Bollapalle reservoir. Compensation and rehabilitation must be handled sensitively. Development should uplift everyone, not just some sections.

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