Polavaram project progress: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has sharply criticized the current Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, for the slow progress of the Polavaram Project. Naidu claims that during Jagan’s five-year tenure, only 3.88% of the project has been completed. In contrast, Naidu asserts that 72% of the work was completed under his leadership.
Chandrababu Naidu accused Jagan of causing more harm to the state than the bifurcation itself. He released a detailed report on the Polavaram Project, expressing his distress over its current state. According to Naidu, Jagan’s mismanagement has turned the project, which could significantly benefit the people, into a major setback.
He claimed that the funds allocated for the project had been misused under Jagan’s administration. Naidu highlighted that during his term from 2014 to 2019, the TDP government spent Rs. 11,762 crores on the project. However, from 2019 to 2024, Jagan’s government has spent only Rs. 4,167 crores.
Chandrababu Naidu stated that the Polavaram Project is crucial for the state’s agricultural sector. He estimated that farmers have lost around Rs. 45,000 crores due to delays in the project. According to Naidu, changing contractors and transferring skilled officers have further worsened the situation.
Chandrababu Naidu also pointed out that under his administration, the diaphragm wall of the project was completed in 2018 for Rs. 436 crores. However, due to alleged mismanagement by Jagan, the repairs now cost Rs. 447 crores. The new wall construction is projected to cost around Rs. 990 crores.
Chandrababu Naidu concluded by stating that with the assistance of national and international experts, and support from the central government, his administration would have ensured the project’s completion. He expressed hope that the project would eventually benefit the people of Andhra Pradesh.
