Naidu pushes Centre on Godavari-Cauvery link, Polavaram funding

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held discussions with senior Union ministers in the national capital on Friday to advance Andhra Pradesh's critical water infrastructure agenda. During separate meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Naidu raised the state's long-standing demand for the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, which proponents argue could address water scarcity challenges across southern India.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon the Jal Shakti Ministry the need for timely release of funds allocated for the Polavaram irrigation project, a flagship development initiative in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu sought assurances that budgeted amounts would be disbursed without delay to maintain construction momentum.

Beyond individual projects, Naidu underscored the importance of accelerating the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Centre's flagship rural water supply scheme. He requested the ministry prioritize fund allocation to Andhra Pradesh to ensure sustainable progress in providing tap water connections to households across the state.

The inter-ministerial engagement reflects the state government's push to leverage central support for its water security and rural infrastructure priorities as it confronts competing demands for irrigation and drinking water resources.