Visakhapatnam: Irrigation minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has assured that construction of the Polavaram left canal is being expedited and will be completed by June this year. Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday, Ramanaidu emphasised the canal’s importance for irrigation and drinking water needs in the North Andhra region.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to fulfilling public expectations, particularly in North Andhra, where the canal’s completion is expected to deliver significant benefits. He acknowledged past delays but expressed confidence in the current administration’s accelerated pace of work.
During the conference, Ramanaidu pointed out the Telugu Desam’s achievements, claiming that 72 per cent of the Polavaram project was completed during their tenure. He accused the YSRC government of neglecting the project and splitting it into two parts, which he argued led to injustice for Polavaram residents.
Ramanaidu criticised former CM Jagan’s failure to meet three deadlines for the project and cited a lack of attention to critical components such as the diaphragm wall. He noted that no construction had previously been undertaken on the Polavaram left canal but assured that work was now progressing rapidly.
The minister condemned the YSRC’s handling of irrigation and drinking water projects and contrasted it with the Telugu Desam’s development-focused approach. He alleged that the YSRC’s five-year rule saw no progress in North Andhra and projected full completion of the Polavaram project by December 2027.
He also challenged YSRC’s claims regarding the project’s height, advocating for a structure height of 45.72 metres to ensure river connectivity and broader benefits. However, he stated that the height would remain at 41.72 metres until compensation for displaced individuals was finalised.
Ramanaidu also announced plans to attract new companies to North Andhra, praising Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Lokesh’s efforts to generate employment. He accused YSRC leaders of discouraging investors and claimed the state suffered greater losses under YSRC rule than during its bifurcation.
Additionally, the minister referred to the Rishi Konda Palace as a “white elephant,” saying the government was struggling to find a practical use for it. He criticised the previous government for failing to explore viable options and for lacking accountability.
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