Amaravati, Feb 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, held a meeting with Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday, where he put forth proposals for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project. This initiative is designed to channel surplus waters from the Godavari River to regions suffering from drought.

Naidu emphasized that this project serves as a vital lifeline, addressing requirements for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use. He sought approvals and both technical and financial backing under the National River Linking Policy.

As per a statement from the Andhra Pradesh government, CM Naidu pointed out the ongoing contention between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding the allocation of Godavari waters. He urged the prompt establishment of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal to ensure fair distribution of river water.

This development is significant, especially considering the strong opposition the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project faces from the Telangana government, which claims that the state risks losing its rightful share of Godavari waters. Nonetheless, Naidu defended the proposed project, asserting it would merely redirect water that would otherwise be wasted into the sea.

During the discussion, the Chief Minister asked the Union Government to lift the stop-work order on the Polavaram Project, stating that this order continues to hinder the project's progress.

He also requested reimbursement for additional costs incurred due to enhancements in the Polavaram right and left main canals and appealed for complete financial support for Polavaram Phase II, which encompasses land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement, as well as the construction of protective embankments. Naidu informed the Union Minister that Phase II alone necessitates additional funding of around Rs 32,000 crore.

He urged the Centre to extend approvals and financial aid for various critical irrigation and water security initiatives in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister stressed that these projects are essential for protecting state interests, ensuring the welfare of farmers, and providing drinking water security for the people of Andhra Pradesh. He also engaged in detailed discussions regarding pending matters related to Central support for various projects and the resolution of long-standing interstate river water disputes.

Naidu called for an expedited resolution of the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha Vamsadhara river water dispute, urging that the final report of the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal be published in the Gazette promptly to facilitate the construction of the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara River.

Expressing concerns over Karnataka's intention to elevate the height of the Almatti Dam on the Upper Krishna, the Chief Minister warned that such an increase would severely affect downstream water availability for Andhra Pradesh.