Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 8 October 2026, met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi and pressed for the timely release of central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission-Amarajeevi Jaladhara works and the long-running Polavaram irrigation project. The meeting was part of Naidu's two-day visit to Delhi to advance critical water and infrastructure priorities for the state.

Polavaram Project: Progress and Funding Push

Chief Minister Naidu briefed the Union Minister on the accelerated pace of construction at Polavaram, stating that the state government aims to complete the project and dedicate it to the nation in time for the Godavari Pushkarams next year. He stressed that there should be no shortage of funds at any stage and requested the Centre to ensure uninterrupted financial support for the project.

The two leaders also discussed the technical and administrative requirements for impounding water up to the 41.15-metre contour and outlined the steps needed to eventually reach the 45.72-metre contour level at Polavaram.

Odisha and Chhattisgarh Hurdles

A key agenda item was the resolution of long-pending inter-state issues involving Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which have stalled portions of the Polavaram project. Naidu urged Patil to seek the permanent withdrawal of a Stop Work Order issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change relating to pending public hearings for protective embankments to be constructed in both states. While the order is currently in abeyance, Naidu pushed for its full and permanent revocation.

The Chief Minister also proposed that the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti convene a joint meeting of the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh under the ministry's chairmanship to resolve the dispute through 'cooperation, coordination and a spirit of give-and-take,' according to an official release.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Works

Naidu informed the minister that rehabilitation and resettlement works required for impounding water up to the 41.15-metre contour were being fast-tracked. He underscored that the state government was according equal priority to resolving the problems of displaced families and completing R&R works alongside the project's physical construction — a signal that the human cost of the dam is being factored into the timeline.

Jal Jeevan Mission: 27 Lakh More Households Targeted

On the Jal Jeevan Mission front, Naidu noted that Andhra Pradesh has roughly 95 lakh rural households, of which 62 lakh already have tap water connections. Foundation stones have recently been laid for works to extend drinking water connections to an additional 27 lakh rural households at a total cost of ₹30,000 crore, launched at Proddatur. He urged the Union Minister to ensure prompt central fund releases in line with the physical progress of these works.

Naidu also highlighted the potential of interlinking rivers across the southern states and noted that thousands of TMCs of Godavari floodwater currently flow unused into the sea — an argument for both the Polavaram project and the Pattiseema diversion scheme. He added that steps are being taken to develop Polavaram as a major tourism and spiritual destination.

With the Godavari Pushkarams deadline looming, the outcome of these funding discussions will be closely watched by both the state administration and the millions of families whose water security depends on them.