Linking of rivers in AP top priority for Govt, says Naidu

Andhra Pradesh government has accorded top priority to the linking of Godavari, Krishna and Penna rivers, and is pushing for early completion of ongoing irrigation projects, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said today.
By next year, Godavari water can be supplied to Krishna through Polavaram right canal. And then the excessive water from Krishna can be supplied to drought-prone districts of Rayalaseema through the Srisaialam irrigation project built on the river, he said.
The Chief Minister suggested that the possibility of linking the Krishna and Penna rivers should also be considered for better use of surplus water.
Speaking at the valedictory function of ruling Telugu Desam Party's general body meeting here, he said the ongoing irrigation projects will be completed on a priority basis.

He said Rs 20,000 crore would be required to complete all these schemes except Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation venture which has been accorded national project status by the Centre.
At the same time irrigation tanks would also be modernised. The linking of rivers and early completion of other projects would increase the irrigation potential of the state. This in turn will help in boosting farm production and attracting agro-based industries, Naidu said.
Only an efficient water management system can bring comprehensive development in the State, he added.