Water from Polavaram to be released from next June: Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday night stated that the government would release water from Polavaram project from next June.

Works relating to the construction of Coffer and Earth-cum-Rockfill (ECRF) Dams have also commenced. Construction of spill ways and spill channels along with those relating to concrete and earth works will be completed at the earliest, he said.

Talking to the media after presenting silk clothes at the temple of Lord Venkateswara, Mr. Naidu said that he wished to develop Andhra Pradesh into a model state for the entire world. As part of this vision, the government has embarked on 'Jala Deeksha' — a concept intended to provide drinking water and for catering to the needs of irrigation and industrial units. The three-day 'Jalasiri Harathi' at Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam dams and the gallery walk at the Polavaram site were part of it. The districts of northern Andhra and Rayalaseema also will be covered.

In reply to a question he said water to all the western mandals including Kuppam, Palamaner and Madanapalli in the water starved tail-end Chittoor district will be made available from the Handri Neeva project. The government is also keen on simultaneously completing the Venugopalasagar, Balaji reservoir and Malli Madugu dams. Efforts are also on to complete the Swarnamukhi and Somasila lift irrigation projects which on their completion shall transform all the eastern and western mandals Chittoor district into a prosperous region.

Striking a sentimental chord he said it was for the twelfth time he was officially presenting the 'Silk vastrams' to the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara and that he felt himself blessed for being bestowed with the rare opportunity.