Says balanced regional development, particularly in Uttarandhra, is priority for TDP Govt
PNS|Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, on Wednesday, reiterated the State government’s commitment to expediting long-delayed irrigation and drinking water projects, especially in the underdeveloped northern districts. Speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam, he emphasised that balanced regional development, particularly in Uttarandhra, remains a priority for the current administration.
Ramanaidu criticised the previous YSRCP government for halting vital irrigation projects in North Andhra, which he claimed led to a revenue loss of Rs 50,000 crore. He attributed this setback to poor governance and mismanagement under the leadership of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
“Under the TDP government,” Ramanaidu said, “efforts to rejuvenate infrastructure and irrigation projects are already yielding positive results.” He highlighted that the TDP had taken swift measures to restart and accelerate stalled projects since assuming power, with significant progress visible in North Andhra. The Minister also announced that Rs 35,000 crore had been allocated to the Irrigation Department to strengthen the region’s water infrastructure.
He revealed that the long-pending Polavaram left canal works are on track for completion by June, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore.
Discussing the Polavaram project, Ramanaidu pointed out that 72 per cent of the work was completed during the TDP’s previous tenure. He blamed the YSRCP government for splitting the project into phases, which caused delays and disrupted rehabilitation efforts. “We now aim for full completion by December 2027,” he said, adding that while the full benefits depend on achieving a height of 45.72 m, work will continue up to 41.72 m until rehabilitation is completed.
Ramanaidu also took aim at the previous administration’s neglect of Uttarandhra, highlighting the region’s lack of investment and industrial growth. He accused the YSRCP of causing significant economic damage, worse than the post-bifurcation period, due to its anti-industry stance.
Referring to the controversial Rushikonda Palace, the Minister called it a “white elephant” and mentioned that alternative uses are being explored. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure equitable growth across Andhra Pradesh, with special attention to the long-neglected north coastal areas.
