Pawan Kalyan lays foundation stone for Amarajeevi Jaladhara project

Visakhapatnam: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the 'Amarajeevi Jaladhara' water‑grid project at Peravalu in the Nidadavolu constituency. The ambitious scheme, to be implemented across five districts, will be taken up withf ₹7,910 crore and is slated for completion by 2027.

In a speech that blended development rhetoric with sharp political barbs, Kalyan said the project would supply safe drinking water to 1.21 crore people over the next 35 years, with a particular focus on coastal fishing communities in East and West Godavari. He named the initiative after the late freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu, describing it as a tribute to Telugu self‑respect.

The deputy chief minister highlighted the grim reality of groundwater contamination in the region, noting that many residents now have to purchase bottled water. 'The groundwater in the combined East and West Godavari districts has become heavily polluted, forcing people to buy water at a premium,' he said.

Pawan Kalyan also warned of political intimidation, accusing some YSRC leaders of threatening contractors and warning that the government would take 'strong political action' against anyone attempting to derail the project. 'If you think you can intimidate us, remember that the government will not hesitate to act against such hired thugs,' he added.

The event also served as a platform for the deputy chief minister to showcase other achievements under his 'Palle Panduga 1.0' programme, including the construction of 4,000 km of cement roads, 100,000 farm ponds, 22,500 mini‑gokulas and support for horticulture on 10,000 acres. He attributed these successes to the combined leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu.

He further noted that funds earmarked for the 2024 Jal Jeevan Mission had lapsed due to the previous government's neglect, but that the state had secured an extension after discussions with the Centre. He warnied that any sub‑standard execution would invite 'strict punitive action.'

The 'Amarajeevi Jaladhara' project is now expected to become a cornerstone of the state's efforts to address the region's water crisis.

Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh, leaders and officials were present. A large number of people attended the meeting.