PNS|New Delhi
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday and formally submitted a proposal seeking central support for the ambitious Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project.
The project aims to divert surplus Godavari river water to drought-prone areas in south-central Andhra Pradesh via a network of lift irrigation systems and tunnels. To be executed in three phases, it is expected to significantly improve water availability in arid regions.
Naidu highlighted the project’s potential to benefit millions of people in water-scarce zones and said it could serve as a national model for river interlinking. The proposal includes a comprehensive financing plan, building on earlier discussions with the Finance Ministry.
The Chief Minister underlined the strategic significance of the Rs 80,000-crore initiative, which would divert 200 TMC of water without adversely impacting neighbouring states, as it harnesses water that would otherwise flow into the sea.
“We will commence the Polavaram–Banakacherla project as soon as we receive Centre’s approval. We have urged the Union Finance Minister to allocate funds,” Naidu said.
