Naidu Bats For Godavari, Krishna Linking At Cost Of Rs 90,000 Cr

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced the preparation of three to four models for interlinking of Godavari with Krishna River to prevent wastage of nearly 8,000 tmc ft under the name "Telugu Talli Ki Jala Harati." Stating that it will be the biggest irrigation infrastructure project in India, he said this will be a big game-changer by irrigating water-parched areas of Rayalaseema making it a 'Ratnala Seema,' ensuring eco-friendly water security for irrigation, drinking water and industries.

It will increase capacity of existing reservoirs, create new storage facilities and link the rivers through tunnels or lifting through gravitation. "I have spoken to the Central leaders including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. According to preliminary estimates, the project to be funded on a hybrid model, will irrigate at least 30 lakh acres," he said.

"I apprised the funding model as a hybrid project with employment potential of over 2.5 lakh people. The project will have a multiplier effect. As it will involve huge investment, we expect funding from the private sector as well as the Government of India." The Centre has already funded such a project in Rajasthan. Asked to comment on the likely cost of the project, he told the media here that the mega multi-purpose project will cost around Rs85,000 crore to Rs90,000 crore." It will need acquisition of 10,000 acres of forest land besides other lands.

The project cost is bound to escalate by 40 per cent for every five year of delay. Naidu said their thrust will be minimal route stretch, cost-effectiveness, acquisition of less forest land and an acceptable R&R package. "As the BJP-led NDA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong champion of inter-linking of rivers, we can be a role model in taking up such a gigantic project in a time-bound manner," he said.