Completion of Polavaram project and linking of rivers- My life ambition:Chandrababu
CM sets targets to complete Polavaram project as early as possible
Diaphragm wall to be completed by February 15:CM
CM express concern over politicizing water sharing issues between two Telugu states
POLAVARAM: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stressed the need for linking of rivers in the country to make it a drought-free country. He said that during Vajpayee regime a task force was formed to study on linking of rivers. He said that with the intra linking of rivers the state will become drought free and lead to development of all the regions.
The Chief Minister inspected the progress of Polavaram project today. He went through all the project sites and inquired the officials in detail about the progress of the works. Later speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that the construction of the new diaphragm wall will be completed by February 15 and a target was set to complete all the Phase I works by March 2027 to release water. He said that the government was forced to spend additional Rs 1000 crore for constructing new diaphragm wall. The main dam works are nearing completion and embankment works will be completed by June. He said a target was set to complete ECRF dam gap-2 works by March next year and R&R works within one year.
The Chief Minister said with the completion of Polavaram project largest inland water ways will made available and through Polavaram right and left canals connectivity will be provided. Steps have been taken to supply water to Visakhapatnam through Polavaram left main canal. Irrigation facility will be provided in both Visakhka and Anakapalli districts through left main canal. He said through Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme the Krishna delta was stabilized and helped to take Godavari water to Krishna river and thereby to Rayalaseema region. As a result now Rayalaseema emerged as horticulture hub and the state government has been initiating steps to make rayalaseema as global horticulture hub.
Describing Polavaram project as nerve centre, the Chief Minister said that his life ambition is to complete Polavaram project and linking of rivers across the country. Expressing concern over politicizing water sharing issues between two Telugu states, the Chief Minister made it clear that he never objected projects in Telangana and questioned is it correct to object Polavaram project. He said it is not correct to politicize water issues to raise disputes between two Telugu states. When there is excess water in Goavari there is no wrong in using excess water. Once we complete the Polavaram project we can use Godavari excess water, preserve Krishna water to supply the Krishna water to Rayalaseema region and if there is excess water we can supply water to Telangana also. He said that he is happy to note that 368 tmc of water is available in various reservoirs of Rayalaseema region at present and Nellore district farmers are ready to take up cultivation for second crop.
The Chief Minister said that the TDP government spent Rs 65000 crore during 2014-19 towards development of irrigation sector including Rs 12000 crore in Rayalaseema region itself. He said that Polavaram project should be completed as early as possible to provide irrigation facility to all the regions in the state.
Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu and Minister Information and Public Relations K Parthasarathi accompanied the Chief Minister.
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