New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a crucial meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi, focusing primarily on the Polavaram project. Following the meeting, Chandrababu Naidu announced that the Investment Board has approved the expenditure for the project, though the issue still requires Union Cabinet approval.
Chandrababu emphasized that the primary goal is to complete the Polavaram project, noting that there are no defined stages or timelines currently in place. He urged the Centre to make an immediate decision on the project to avoid losing another season.
The Chief Minister revealed that the state cabinet has decided to construct a new diaphragm wall for the Polavaram project. Chandrababu presented this decision to Union Minister CR Patil and warned that if work does not commence after the flood subsides, the project could face an additional two-year delay.
Criticizing the YSRCP government, Chandrababu claimed that debt levels have increased and development has stalled under their rule. He also mentioned that the Polavaram project has suffered significant setbacks. Chandrababu has requested the Centre to adhere to the provisions of the bifurcation act and clear old dues owed to the state.
Additionally, he highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s poor performance in the Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission programmes, ranking third from the bottom in implementing these schemes. Chandrababu alleged that funds were diverted during the YSRCP regime, contributing to the state’s lag in these critical areas.
