Tadepalli: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has condemned the central government’s decision to reduce the Polavaram Project’s height from 45.72 meters to 41.15 meters, criticizing CM Chandrababu Naidu for not opposing the move, despite his influence within the NDA alliance. This reduction could severely impact Andhra Pradesh’s water needs, agriculture, and energy generation, according to YSRCP leaders.
Former CM Chandrababu Naidu, through social media platform ‘X’, highlighted that the project’s height reduction lowers water storage capacity from 194.6 TMC to 115 TMC, potentially affecting the Godavari delta’s agriculture, power production, and urban water supplies in Visakhapatnam. Naidu alleged that an international committee report revealed deficiencies in previous project phases, which he attributed to inadequate oversight.
Under YSRCP’s governance, the party claims critical structures like the spillway and coffer dams have been completed despite challenges, and ongoing efforts led to the central government sanctioning Rs 12,127 crore for further construction. YSRCP also expressed concern that Naidu allegedly attempted to hinder these funds in collaboration with the NDA.
YS Jagan has called for immediate action from Naidu to restore Polavaram’s original height and ensure fair compensation for impacted residents, cautioning that continued inaction may lead to strong public discontent.