Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi and sought approvals and financial assistance for key irrigation and drinking water projects of the state. He requested permanent withdrawal of the stop work order on the Polavaram project, reimbursement of increased canal costs and financial support for Polavaram Phase-II, estimated at 32,000 crore rupees.

Mr Naidu also sought approvals and support for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project under the National River Linking Policy. The Chief Minister urged early resolution of inter-state water disputes, including gazette notification of the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal report and constitution of a Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal. He objected to Karnataka’s move to raise the Almatti dam height, citing the adverse impact on downstream water availability to Andhra Pradesh.