AP CM Jagan Discusses Polavaram Project with Union Ministers in Delhi

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, held discussions with Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and R K Singh regarding the pending state issues including the Polavaram irrigation project. He urged them to release revised estimates for the project and reimburse arrears incurred by the state.

The Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, recently held meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Power Minister R K Singh in Delhi. The discussions were centred around various issues pertaining to the state of Andhra Pradesh, including the significant Polavaram irrigation project.

Reddy met both Union ministers separately and discussed several pending matters related to his state. A government official from Andhra Pradesh confirmed that among these topics was the Polavaram project which has been a major focus for the CM's administration.

Request for Revised Estimates

In his meeting with Sitharaman, Reddy urged her to ensure that the Union Cabinet approves and releases the revised estimates amounting to Rs 55,549 crore for the Polavaram irrigation project. He informed her that these revised estimates have already been accepted by the Technical Advisory Committee.

Funds Required for Rehabilitation and Resettlement

A press statement released after their discussion revealed further details about Reddy's requests. He highlighted that an additional sum of Rs 17,144 crore is required from the Union government for implementing a rehabilitation and resettlement package. This package is intended for those affected by this large-scale infrastructure development in 36 colonies as per a Lidar survey conducted in lieu of completing its first phase which would require only Rs 12,912 crore.

Reimbursement of Arrears

The chief minister also sought reimbursement from Sitharaman regarding arrears totalling Rs 1,310 crore incurred by Andhra Pradesh from its own exchequer on account of expenses related to the Polavaram project.

Pending Dues From Telangana Government

Besides these financial matters directly linked with the Union government, Reddy also appealed to Sitharaman to take necessary steps towards ensuring that the neighbouring state of Telangana clears pending dues amounting to Rs 7,230 crore. These dues are owed to Andhra Pradesh and their payment would significantly help in addressing some of the financial challenges currently faced by Reddy's administration.

In conclusion, these meetings between CM Reddy and Union Ministers Sitharaman and Singh show a proactive approach from Andhra Pradesh’s side in dealing with its current issues. The focus on the Polavaram project indicates its importance for the state's development plans. With Reddy seeking central assistance for revised estimates, rehabilitation costs, arrear reimbursements as well as inter-state dues clearance shows his commitment towards resolving these matters at the earliest. It remains to be seen how these requests will be addressed by the Central Government and what impact they will have on future developments in Andhra Pradesh.