Chandrababu Naidu meets Amit Shah, pushes for AP funds and Polavaram Project
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu carried a long agenda to New Delhi on Monday — from bifurcation-era dues to the Polavaram Project's stop work order — signalling that the state's infrastructure and water security needs remain critically underfunded despite coalition-era promises.
Key Takeaways
CM Chandrababu Naidu met Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi on Monday .
Naidu urged the Centre to release pending funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and address post-bifurcation commitments.
He pushed for completion of the Polavaram Project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams , requesting permanent withdrawal of the 2011 Stop Work Order .
Canal capacity on both right and left canals has been enhanced to 17,500 cusecs ; right canal is 95% complete and left canal 78% complete.
Naidu opposed any Gazette notification on raising the Almatti Dam height until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict.
He sought release of ₹285 crore for restoration of 297 water bodies under PMKSY .
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday held separate meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil in New Delhi, appealing for the release of pending funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and pressing for resolution of critical water infrastructure issues, including the long-pending Polavaram Project.
Key Demands Before the Home Minister
During his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Naidu urged the Centre to sanction funds for various pending projects and to address unresolved issues stemming from the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He also requested that the Centre extend support for the state's development over and above the allocations already made in the current Union Budget, citing commitments made in the past that remain unfulfilled.
Polavaram Project: Naidu Pushes for Completion by 2027
In his meeting with Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Naidu made a strong pitch for the completion of the Polavaram Project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, describing it as a prestigious and critical irrigation undertaking for the state. According to an official release, he specifically highlighted the need to complete civil works to enable water storage up to a level of 41.15 metres in the first phase.
Naidu requested the permanent withdrawal of a
Point of View
In many cases, already committed on paper. The Polavaram Project — stalled partly by a 2011 Stop Work Order and inter-state disputes with Odisha and Chhattisgarh — is a decade-old flashpoint that successive Central governments have struggled to resolve. The Almatti Dam concern adds another layer, pitting Andhra Pradesh against Karnataka in a dispute that remains sub judice before the Supreme Court. For Naidu, who leads a coalition partner of the BJP-led Centre, the meetings reflect both political leverage and its limits — goodwill at the top does not always translate into expedited fund releases at the bureaucratic level.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chandrababu Naidu meet Amit Shah in New Delhi?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Home Minister Amit Shah to seek funds for various pending projects under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and to address unresolved issues arising from the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He also requested support beyond the current Union Budget allocations.
What is the Polavaram Project and why is it significant?
The Polavaram Project is a major multipurpose irrigation and hydroelectric project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, considered critical for the state's water and agricultural security. Naidu has urged its completion before the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams and requested the permanent withdrawal of a Stop Work Order issued in 2011.
What is the Stop Work Order on the Polavaram Project?
A Stop Work Order was issued in 2011 citing pending public opinion consultations in the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Naidu requested Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to permanently withdraw this order so that project works can proceed without hindrance.
Why is Andhra Pradesh opposing the increase in Almatti Dam height?
Naidu argued that raising the Almatti Dam height from 519.60 metres to 524.256 metres would jeopardise Andhra Pradesh's water interests. He appealed that no Gazette notification, technical clearance, or administrative approval be granted until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict on the matter.
What funds did Naidu seek for irrigation restoration?
Naidu requested the release of ₹285 crore for the restoration and modernisation of 297 water bodies across Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), as part of the 'Har Khet Ko Pani' initiative covering tank repair, canal desilting, and embankment strengthening.
