Centre should release funds for Polavaram project: Andhra CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu urged the Centre to release funds for the Polavaram irrigation project so that the work can be done in a full-fledged manner.

Addressing the media after reviewing the project on Monday, Naidu said, "The Centre should release funds as soon as possible. Rehabilitation and Resettlement should be paid as per Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013.The Polavaram national project is a lifeline for the Andhra Pradesh. We are committed to complete the project."

Naidu also announced that the project will be operational by May 2019 and water would be released from the canals by then.

"Of the 1,66,423 acres required, 1,10,195 acres had already been acquired and 56,000 acres are pending. Our ultimate aim is to make one crore acres of micro-irrigation soon. From now on, there will be a non-stop work until June next year. I want to complete a major part of the Polavaram project by May 2019. With five rivers interlinking, the entire state would be covered and water will be provided for irrigation, drinking, and industrial needs," he added.

The Chief Minister further claimed that the opposition is trying to criticise his government's efforts in building the project.

"The opposition criticising our efforts should take a look on how we completed the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project. It is only because of that project, we could manage irrigation despite less rainfall in the state," Naidu added.