NDA Government to Dedicate Polavaram Project by 2027: CM N Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is committed to dedicating the Polavaram irrigation project to the nation by 2027. Naidu made the declaration while addressing a crowd at the ‘Swachh Andhra-Swarna Andhra’ rally in Kakinada district on Saturday, underscoring the government’s focus on revitalizing the critical irrigation infrastructure.

Naidu’s remarks came as a direct response to ongoing debates surrounding the Polavaram project, which has faced delays and challenges in the past. The Chief Minister took a swipe at the previous administration led by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), accusing them of neglecting the project for five years, which he claimed led to significant damage to the diaphragm wall of the project.

“The Polavaram irrigation project, which had been neglected for five years under the previous administration, is now back on track. The responsibility of dedicating this project to the nation in 2027 now lies with the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh,” Naidu said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to completing the project as a symbol of progress and developmental success.

The Polavaram irrigation project, which is expected to benefit farmers across the region by providing a steady supply of water, has been one of the most significant infrastructural endeavors in the state. The project, once completed, will play a pivotal role in addressing the state’s water scarcity and irrigation needs.

Naidu also took the opportunity to raise concerns over the state’s water resources, specifically pointing to the inefficiency of current water management systems. He highlighted that more than 2,500 TMCft of water from the Godavari River is being released into the sea every year, calling it a massive wastage of a crucial natural resource. His remarks came as part of a broader discourse on improving the management and conservation of water resources, vital for sustaining agriculture and irrigation in the state.

On the topic of urban development, Naidu refuted claims by the YSRCP regarding the alleged stormwater woes in Amaravati, the proposed capital city of Andhra Pradesh. “It is not Amaravati that is facing inundation, but the political party behind such false claims, which is now sinking in the state,” Naidu quipped, further asserting that the YSRCP’s allegations were politically motivated. He emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is well-positioned to develop three major cities—Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati—into robust centers of economic and infrastructural growth.

In a segment of his speech addressing recent developments on the investment front, Naidu took aim at his rivals in the state, accusing them of negatively affecting the state’s image as a business destination. He referred to his recent visit to Singapore, which aimed at attracting foreign investments, and claimed that certain political elements in the state were actively threatening investors based in Singapore, thereby damaging the state’s reputation on the global stage.

“Our rivals in Andhra Pradesh are threatening investors based in Singapore, which has negatively impacted the state’s image as an investment destination,” Naidu remarked. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for investment, pointing out that the state’s future economic growth heavily relies on attracting both national and international investors.

Naidu’s statements emphasized the NDA government’s resolve to bolster the state’s infrastructure, enhance water management systems, and position Andhra Pradesh as a key player in India’s economic growth. With projects like Polavaram and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investments, the state government aims to steer Andhra Pradesh toward significant economic development in the coming years.