Naidu pushes for permanent end to Polavaram project halt

Naidu said the prolonged suspension of work on the multi-purpose Polavaram project was hampering the state's development and causing significant delays to a critical infrastructure initiative. The chief minister has sought the intervention of his counterparts in neighbouring states to break the deadlock and allow construction activities to resume at full pace.

The Polavaram project, one of Andhra Pradesh's flagship irrigation schemes, has faced multiple legal and administrative hurdles. The stop-work order has been a point of contention between the state government and various stakeholders, including environmental bodies and representatives from other states who have raised concerns about the project's impact.

Naidu's proposal for a three-state chief ministers' meeting aims to build consensus on the project's implementation and address concerns raised by affected parties. The meeting would bring together leadership from states directly impacted by the project's water management and environmental implications.

The chief minister has emphasized that clearing the Polavaram project is essential for fulfilling the state's agricultural and industrial water requirements. Officials indicate that the permanent withdrawal of the halt order would accelerate completion timelines and unlock significant economic benefits for the region.