Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Centre not to issue a gazette notification regarding the proposed increase in the height of the Almatti dam until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict on the matter.
During his visit to New Delhi on Monday, Naidu separately met Amit Shah and C. R. Patil and sought additional central assistance for several key projects in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu said the carrying capacity of the right and left canals under the Almatti project had been enhanced to 17,500 cusecs and requested reimbursement of the related expenditure. He also sought approval for the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project aimed at supplying water to Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra regions.
The Chief Minister further requested the release of ₹285 crore for the restoration and modernisation of 297 water bodies across the state.
During the meeting with Amit Shah, Naidu highlighted issues arising after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and urged the Centre to release pending funds for centrally sponsored schemes.
Later, while meeting Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Naidu requested speedy resolution of pending issues related to the Polavaram Project. He stressed that full support from the Centre was necessary to complete the project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaras.
He also demanded completion of civil works required to store water up to 41.15 metres in the first phase and urged the Centre to permanently withdraw the “stop work order” issued in 2011 so that construction work could continue without interruption.
