New Delhi [India], May 23: In a strategic push for regional development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on Friday to propose the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at improving water resource management and boosting infrastructure in drought-prone areas of the state.
According to an official release, the project is designed to divert surplus Godavari floodwater to dry regions of Andhra Pradesh through a three-part water transfer system comprising the Bollapalle reservoir, lift irrigation mechanisms, and tunnel networks across the Nallamala hills.
Naidu emphasized that the proposed interlinking of the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers aligns with national missions such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Blue Revolution, and Make in India, and reinforced Andhra Pradesh’s claim to its rightful share of water post-bifurcation.
He also assured the central government that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be submitted shortly, and urged for timely approvals to expedite the ₹80,112 crore project. The proposal aims to divert 200 TMC of water from the Godavari river at Polavaram to Rayalaseema via the Banakacherla head regulator.
In addition to this meeting, CM Naidu has scheduled a series of high-level discussions with Union Ministers, including Dr. Jitendra Singh (Science and Technology), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focusing on research, innovation, finance, and digital infrastructure.
Later in the evening, he will also attend a review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the implementation of new criminal laws across states.
On May 24, CM Naidu will represent Andhra Pradesh at the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, where he is expected to present the state’s reform-driven governance model and seek central support for inclusive and sustainable growth.