Will the Banakacherla project jeopardize any state's interests?

Vijayawada, Aug 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has defended the Godavari-Banakacherla project, asserting that it will not infringe upon the water rights of any state.

Addressing objections from Telangana regarding the project, he reassured that there is no need for concern.

His remarks came after he hoisted the national flag during the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

"We plan to redirect the Godavari's wastewater from Polavaram to Banakacherla, aiming to convert Rayalaseema into a thriving agricultural area. This initiative will utilize water that would otherwise flow into the sea," he explained.

Naidu emphasized that as a lower-riparian state, Andhra Pradesh endures the brunt of floods.

"When floods occur, upstream states release water, leading to losses for us as the downstream state. Why should there be objections to using the same floodwater for our benefit? We face the floods, but how can we manage without harnessing this water?" he queried.

He reaffirmed that his administration is committed to completing the Polavaram project by December 2027, highlighting that the Central Government has allocated Rs 12,157 crore to ensure timely construction.

Naidu expressed optimism that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India will soon ascend to be the third-largest economy globally.

"Our economy is vibrant, not stagnant. It is flourishing," he stated.

The Chief Minister underscored India's significant economic and military prowess, citing Operation Sindoor as evidence. "Let us honor our Armed Forces who responded decisively to enemy threats with missile strikes," he remarked.

Naidu described the welfare initiatives undertaken by the coalition government as unprecedented.

He claimed the citizens of Andhra Pradesh are receiving double the welfare benefits compared to any other state in the nation.

"With humility and pride, I state that our coalition government is providing unparalleled welfare... there are no barriers to development... our commitment to good governance is historic. This is a record achievement," he stated.

"The previous year of welfare, development, and governance has been fulfilling for us in serving the populace," he added.

Naidu asserted that the public will endorse the NDA's 2024 election slogan 'People should win, State should rise', granting a historical mandate that has initiated a silent revolution.

"We commenced our term with the primary goal of revitalizing the state. Since we took office, we have worked diligently to uphold the people's trust and lay the groundwork for the future," he said.

He noted that the coalition's 'Super Six' initiative, a key electoral promise, has been a resounding success.

Enumerating the welfare programs launched in the past year, Naidu mentioned that they have redefined the welfare state by delivering NTR Bharosa pensions to 64 lakh citizens at their doorsteps through the 'Pedala Sevalo' initiative.

The government has also introduced the 'Talliki Vandanam' scheme, designed to provide financial support to mothers aspiring to educate their children, with an implementation cost of Rs 10,000 crore.

As part of the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, the state government deposited Rs 5,000 and the Centre provided Rs 2,000 into the accounts of 7,000 farmers. A total of Rs 3,173 crore has been disbursed to 47 lakh farmers.

Through the Deepam scheme, the government offers 3 free cylinders annually, costing Rs 2,684 crore each year. To date, Rs 2 crore worth of subsidized cylinders have been distributed.

On Independence Day, the government unveiled the Stree Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on RTC buses.

The government has conducted a massive DSC for 16,347 teaching positions, aiming to finalize the recruitment by month-end.

Chandrababu Naidu stated that the government is enhancing cities and urban areas as key growth drivers for the state.

"We have streamlined construction project approval processes, allowing homeowners to build on plots up to 100 yards without needing a formal building plan," he noted.

He declared the coalition's mission as reviving Brand AP, working to regain the trust of investors and attract investments back to the state. "To date, we have held 9 State Investment Promotion Board meetings, approving investments worth Rs 5.94 lakh crore across 113 projects, which will generate 5.56 lakh jobs," he concluded.