Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Mr N Chandrababu Naidu recently called upon Union Jal Shakti Minister Mr C.R. Patil to discuss the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Polavaram project.
Highlighting the importance of utilising water resources efficiently Mr Naidu said “Andhra Pradesh is geographically positioned at the tail end of river flows. During my tenure as Chief Minister in the united Andhra Pradesh, I completed several projects to ensure Telan- gana received adequate water.
Now, we are focusing on utilizing the water that is currently flowing into the sea. Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to harness this wasted water. True politics is about working for the people, and the NDA in Andhra Pradesh is committed to working with integrity and dedication,” he said. Feasibility study on Banaka- charla.
Speaking on the Polavaram project he said “The Polavaram works are progressing smoothly, and our target is to complete the project by 2027. We also discussed river interlinking. If we utilise the water that is currently being wasted into the sea, Andhra Pradesh can become drought-free.
We have sought central assistance to divert Polavaram water to Banakacharla. A central team will visit the state to study the feasibility,” informed Mr Naidu.
Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, Naidu stated, “The aim is to provide tap water to every household.
However, the previous government failed to utilize even 1% of this scheme.
The central government allocated Rs. 27,000 crore to the state, yet instead of laying pipelines, they proposed borewells. States like Uttar Pradesh have effectively utilized Rs. 50,000 crore, and Gujarat has ensured continuous water supply to every home.
The central government has extended the project deadline to 2028. However, based on past allocations, Andhra Pradesh will only receive Rs. 27,000 crore. To supply tap water across all regions, an additional Rs. 54,000 crore will be required.
We will continue discussions with the central government regarding this matter. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs. 27,000 crore is being prepared, & we will seek central funding,” said the CM.
