A.P. CM seeks Centre’s intervention in multiple inter-State water disputes, irrigation projects

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday sought the intervention of the Central government on multiple inter-State water disputes and irrigation projects, urging the latter to halt Karnataka’s proposed increase in the height of the Almatti Dam, secure Odisha’s cooperation for the Neradi Barrage project, and expedite approvals for the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project aimed at diverting surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone regions of the State.

During a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on Monday, Mr. Naidu opposed the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti Dam in Karnataka, urging the Centre not to issue any gazette notification permitting the move until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict on the dispute.

Raising the Almattti Dam height from 519.60 metres to 524.256 metres would adversely affect the water interests of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu said.

Mr. Naidu also requested the Centre to direct Karnataka not to proceed with land acquisition or preparatory works under the Upper Krishna Project Phase-III until the legal dispute is resolved and the status quo is maintained.

Referring to the surplus waters in the Godavari, Mr. Naidu urged the Union Minister to grant approvals for the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, which is aimed at addressing the water needs of Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The project proposes the diversion of 200 tmc ft of surplus floodwaters from the Godavari River that otherwise drains into the sea. The project would play a crucial role in providing irrigation and drinking water security to drought-prone regions of the State.

The Chief Minister informed the Centre that the Andhra Pradesh government would proceed with the construction of Neradi Barrage on the Vamsadhara River, in line with the gazette notification issued for the project. Andhra Pradesh plans to construct a right-side head sluice with a carrying capacity of 8,000 cusecs to meet the State’s long-term water requirements. 

Mr. Naidu submitted a letter to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, requesting it to direct the Odisha government to facilitate land acquisition required for the execution of the project works. Timely approvals and inter-State coordination were essential for expediting major irrigation infrastructure projects critical to Andhra Pradesh’s water security, he stressed.

Later in the day, Mr. Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed multiple development-related issues concerning Andhra Pradesh.