Kurnool: Amid differences between the Telugu states regarding the proposed Polavaram–Banakacharla project mooted by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, he has highlighted the mutual benefits for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister formally released water from the Srisailam reservoir after offering prayers at the Srisailam temple. Speaking at Sundipenta, he said, “If we had won the 2019 elections, the Polavaram project would have been completed by now.”Unfortunately, he said, the state lost five years. “At present, about 2,000 tmc-ft of water is flowing into the sea. If both states can utilize even 100 to 200 tmc-ft, it would transform agriculture in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state and ensure that Rayalaseema gets adequate water.”Naidu emphasized that the Polavaram–Banakacharla project would be a game-changer for drought-prone areas. “I have a detailed blueprint for Rayalaseema’s development, which includes infrastructure upgrades, irrigation improvements and economic growth plans.”The region, he said, already has strong connectivity through national and state highways and is on its way to becoming a horticulture hub. He announced traditional millet cultivation to replace paddy, citing its health benefits.The Chief Minister said Rayalaseema would also benefit from upcoming industrial parks, solar power plants and pumped energy projects, which would create employment and boost income. He stressed the need for river-linking and said Polavaram water could be diverted for irrigation and drinking needs if the Krishna river flows drop.Naidu also highlighted the past achievements of the TD, including the implementation of major irrigation projects like the Telugu Ganga, KC Canal, SRBC, Galeru-Nagari, and Handri-Neeva and said Andhra Pradesh has the potential to store 1,004 tmc-ft of water but currently has storage of only 554 tmc-ft, around 55 per cent. With an additional 450 tmc-ft of storage, the state could tackle droughts more effectively. Naidu said Telangana progressed significantly due to the foundation he laid during his tenure. “Telangana is now among the states with the highest per capita income, with Hyderabad alone generating nearly 70 per cent of the state’s revenue.” He said while the TD government spent Rs 68,000 crore on irrigation between 2014–2019, the YSRC government spent only Rs 2,000 crore for this sector between 2019–2024.“We allocated Rs 12,500 crore during the last TDP term. After the present government took charge in 2024, Rs 3,850 crore has been sanctioned for the first phase of Handri-Neeva modernization works. Water would be supplied to Jeedipalli by July 15 and to the Madanapalle area by the end of the month, he said.The CM reiterated that women would be allowed free bus travel within their districts from August 15. He also announced a meeting with water users associations in Amaravati within a week to discuss water conservation strategies.Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu and BC Janardhan Reddy, MLAs Budda Rajasekhar Reddy and Bhuma Akhila Priya, district collector Rajakumari and senior officials of the irrigation department were present.
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