After Narendra Modi government’s pro-active initiatives with regard to Amaravati capital construction by facilitating Rs 15,000 crore loan from external agencies and clearing several hardships, is now focusing on clearing obstrucals in Polavaram project.
The Center is said to be ready to approve the Polavaram Detailed Project Report (DPR) very soon. The DPR has already been prepared after estimating the full funds required for the first phase of Polavaram. Polavaram Project Authority, Central Jal Shakthi ministry, Technical Advisory Board, Revised Cost Committee and Investment Approval Board have approved the funding of Polavaram project.
Polavaram DPR, which has already passed all levels, is awaiting the approval of the Council of Ministers. With this, the Union Cabinet is likely to approve the DPR prepared with Rs. 30, 436.95 crore for the construction of the Polavaram project next week. The Union Cabinet meeting will be held on 27th and 28th of this month.
Recently, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu went to Delhi and discussed this issue with central leaders. The matter was brought to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also spoke to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil and explained the actual situation.
With this, the state officials have received word that this proposal will be forwarded to the Union Cabinet. According to the directives of the PMO, the Finance Department will place this proposal before the Cabinet. Polavaram DPR was prepared after estimating the total funds required for the first phase of Polavaram.
If the Union Cabinet approves the DRP, Rs12,157.53 crore rupees will be available for Polavaram and the balance will be reimbursed. Keeping in view the financial conditions of the state, the state government wants to give the total funds in advance.
After 2016, the Center entered into an agreement with NABARD and received the loan from them and provided it to the state government. With this, more than Rs 12,000 crore to be given to the Polavaram project are requested to be given in advance. The state government hopes that there will be financial relief if those funds come.
So far the state government is spending in advance and later the center is reimbursing the same amount. In fact, those who have previously worked as senior officials of the Water Resources Department have also mentioned before the Polavaram Authority that the central government should provide advance funds for national projects.
