Remove 'stop work order' on Polavaram,Naidu asks union Water minister

Amaravati: Continuing his lobbying for early completion of Polavaram project, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asked Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to permanently lift the 'stop-work order' and extend Central Government support for the Central support for Phase II and resolution of inter-State water disputes on a fast-track basis.

During his brief visit to New Delhi, Naidu met the Union Minister for Jal Shakti and urged the Centre to extend approvals and financial assistance for several critical irrigation and water security projects in the State.

The Chief Minister underlined that these projects are vital for safeguarding state interests, securing the future of farmers, and ensuring drinking water security for Andhra Pradesh. He also held detailed discussions on pending issues related to Central assistance for various projects and the resolution of long standing inter state river water disputes.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the Union Government to permanently revoke the stop work order imposed on the Polavaram Project, stating that the order continues to obstruct the smooth execution of the project.

He sought reimbursement of the increased costs incurred due to capacity enhancement of the Polavaram right and left main canals and appealed for full financial assistance for Polavaram Phase II, which includes land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement, and construction of protective embankments. He informed the Union Minister that Phase II alone requires an additional funding of approximately Rs32,000 crore.

The Chief Minister also presented proposals for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project, aimed at diverting surplus Godavari flood waters to drought prone regions. He described the project as a crucial lifeline that would meet drinking water, irrigation, and industrial needs, and requested approvals along with technical and financial support under the National River Linking Policy.

Raising inter state concerns, the Chief Minister urged early resolution of the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha Vamsadhara river water dispute. He pressed for the final report of the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal to be notified in the Gazette without delay, stating that this would clear the way for the construction of the Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara river.

Naidu also highlighted the continuing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the sharing of Godavari waters and called for the immediate constitution of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal to ensure equitable river water allocation.

Raising his objections over Karnataka’s move to increase the height of the Almatti Dam on the Upper Krishna, the Chief Minister cautioned that any such increase would have a serious adverse impact on downstream water availability for Andhra Pradesh.