Will protect both States: Uma

Issues concerning water resources and river projects, including the Polavaram multipurpose dam, post bifurcation were discussed

The Centre will ensure that the interests of both the successor State of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are taken care of, Union Minister for Water Resources, Ganga Rejuvenation and River Development Uma Bharati assured Chief Minister-designate of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu when he called on her here on Friday.

Both leaders discussed issues concerning water resources and river projects in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, including the Polavaram multipurpose dam.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought a report on the subject from the Union Water Resources Ministry. Mr. Naidu sought speedy implementation of the project amid protests from his Telangana counterpart, K. Chandrasekhara Rao, opposing the transfer of some villages from Khammam district to Andhra Pradesh for execution of the project.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and the former Union Minister, Jairam Ramesh, were present at the meeting.

Answering questions, Mr. Naidu said he had raised with Ms. Bharati various issues, including irrigation and water supply required for building a new capital for Andhra Pradesh.

“At the same time, for the new capital, we have requested the Centre to allocate water on the lines of Chennai and Hyderabad.”