Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Seeks Major Financial Package in Delhi Meetings
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has arrived in New Delhi with a substantial financial request exceeding Rs 50,000 crore from the central government. The primary focus of his visit is to secure approvals and funding for several critical irrigation and water security projects that are vital for the state's agricultural and drinking water needs.
Polavaram Project Takes Center Stage in Funding Request
The centerpiece of Naidu's financial proposal is the Polavaram dam project, with a specific request for Rs 32,000 crore allocated for Polavaram Phase II. This phase encompasses crucial components including land acquisition, comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement programs for affected communities, and the construction of protective embankments to ensure project safety and longevity.
During his meetings with Union ministers, Naidu emphasized that these irrigation initiatives are fundamental to safeguarding state interests, securing the future of Andhra Pradesh's farming community, and guaranteeing reliable drinking water security for the population.
Detailed Discussions with Jal Shakti Minister
Naidu commenced his Delhi engagements with a meeting with Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil. In this discussion, he presented a revised proposal for the innovative Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar project. This ambitious initiative aims to facilitate water transfer from the Polavaram reservoir to the Nallamalla Sagar component of the Veligonda Project located in Prakasam district.
The Chief Minister also addressed several pressing inter-state river water disputes during this meeting. He called for urgent resolution of longstanding conflicts over the sharing of Godavari and Krishna river waters between Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states. Additionally, Naidu advocated for the immediate establishment of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal to ensure equitable allocation of this vital water resource.
Addressing Regulatory Hurdles and Cost Reimbursements
One significant regulatory obstacle discussed was the "stop work" order issued years ago by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the Polavaram project. While a temporary stay has been granted until June 2026, allowing work to proceed, Naidu stressed that a permanent stay or complete removal of this order is essential to accelerate project timelines and avoid procedural delays that could hinder progress.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister sought Rs 12,000 crores as reimbursement for increased costs incurred due to capacity enhancement of the Polavaram right and left main canals. He presented detailed financial requirements, informing Union Minister Patil that Polavaram Phase II alone necessitates additional funding of approximately Rs 32,000 crore beyond existing allocations.
Additional Projects and Funding Requirements
Beyond the Polavaram initiative, Naidu's comprehensive funding request includes several other important projects:
- Approximately Rs 100 crore for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Development Package
- Rs 600 crore for the development and modernization of fishing harbors across the state
- Additional funds to conduct the Godavari Pushkaralu on a grand scale, potentially rivaling the Kumbh Mela in scope and significance
The Chief Minister also plans to pursue statutory status for Amaravati as the capital city through a Bill in Parliament, adding a significant political dimension to his Delhi agenda.
Inter-State Water Disputes and Downstream Concerns
Naidu raised several inter-state water concerns during his meetings, highlighting the need for prompt resolution of the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha Vamsadhara river water dispute. He pressed for the final report of the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal to be officially notified in the Gazette without further delay, which would enable the construction of the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara river.
Expressing serious objections to Karnataka's proposed move to increase the height of the Almatti Dam on the Upper Krishna, Naidu cautioned that any such elevation would significantly impact downstream water availability for Andhra Pradesh, potentially creating water scarcity issues for the state.
Upcoming Meetings with Key Union Ministers
Following his discussion with Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, Naidu is scheduled to meet several other key Union ministers to advance his state's agenda. These include Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
According to state officials, a payment of Rs 12,000 crores designated for Polavaram has been pending since last year. Additionally, the state government estimates that Andhra Pradesh should receive Rs 26,021 crore through various centrally sponsored schemes, and Naidu has urged the Centre to expedite the release of these funds to support ongoing development initiatives.
The Chief Minister's Delhi visit represents a comprehensive effort to address multiple financial, regulatory, and inter-state challenges facing Andhra Pradesh's water infrastructure development, with potential implications for the state's agricultural productivity, industrial growth, and overall economic development in the coming years.
