Hectic day for Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi

Visakhapatnam:Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had a hectic schedule during his one day visit to Delhi on Friday. He met union ministers, including Nirmala Sitaraman, Nitin Gadkari, Sonowal, CR Patil, Hardeep Singh Puri and Manohar Lal Khatta.

Chandrababu met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and appealed for immediate central support to expedite major irrigation and drinking water projects in the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought urgent financial assistance for projects approved as part of the assurances under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He urged the Centre to convene a high-level review meeting to resolve long-pending issues. Stressing that water security is critical for the state, he called for stronger Centre'State coordination on both irrigation and drinking water requirements.

Naidu requested an additional ₹1,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the 2025'26 financial year. He informed the Union Minister that the state had already contributed ₹524.41 crore as its share and urged the Centre to release the pending Central share at the earliest.
He also appealed for the immediate clearance of pending approvals related to various components of the Polavaram National Project. He briefed Minister Patil on the progress of the works and said a detailed report on funding requirements for Phase-II works would soon be submitted to the Centre.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that the Vamsadhara Water Disputes Tribunal (VWDT) verdicts were yet to be fully implemented. Highlighting the urgent need to construct the Neradi Barrage to address drought conditions in Srikakulam district, he sought clear guidelines from the Centre to ensure Andhra Pradesh's rights are safeguarded.

Naidu also voiced strong opposition to Karnataka's proposal to raise the height of the Almatti Dam, saying the move could adversely impact Andhra Pradesh. Pointing out that Karnataka had initiated land acquisition for the expansion, he requested the Centre to restrain Karnataka, especially since the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

Chandrababu Naidu called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
and sought substantial central support for a series of strategic development initiatives. These included the Purvodaya programme, the SASCI scheme works, a transformative horticulture development package for Rayalaseema, and urgent assistance for the Polavaram'Nallamala Sagar Link Project to address persistent drought conditions in several districts.
CM Naidu emphasised that the Purvodaya initiative is crucial for realising the Viksit Bharat vision, as it supports the holistic development of eastern states and strengthens India's national economic growth.

Emphasising that Andhra Pradesh is currently experiencing severe financial constraints, he said the financial support from the centre is critical for the development of roads, MSME parks, irrigation works, housing projects and healthcare infrastructure. He requested the Union Minister to allocate ₹10,054 crore under the SASCI scheme for the 2025'26 financial year.

Naidu further submitted a comprehensive memorandum seeking a dedicated horticulture development package for Rayalaseema. He informed the Union Minister that Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts collectively cultivate 18 globally demanded horticulture crops, and that 93 horticulture clusters spread across eight districts currently support nearly 33.7 lakh farmers directly and indirectly. He said the state plans to expand horticulture cultivation from 8.48 lakh hectares to 12.28 lakh hectares by 2029.

The Chief Minister also sought robust central assistance for the Polavaram'Nallamala Sagar Link Project, which aims to divert 200 TMC of floodwaters from the Godavari to drought-hit regions. He said the project would ensure a reliable irrigation and drinking-water supply for Prakasam, Rayalaseema and Nellore districts.

The Chief Minister who met N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbanand Sonowal sought Central support for the development of the Dugarajapatnam shipbuilding ecosystem and key fishing harbour projects in the state.

The Chief Minister thanked the Union Government for the proactive policies introduced to strengthen India's port sector and shipbuilding capabilities and said Andhra Pradesh is committed to contributing to the national 'Chip to Ship' vision.

Naidu also requested the Centre to extend additional financial assistance for the state's fishing harbour infrastructure. He said the government is implementing these projects on priority to improve the livelihoods of fishermen and modernise the fisheries sector.

During his meeting with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar he sought the Centre's approval for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects. The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both metro systems have already been submitted to the Ministry for approval. He emphasised that early clearance is crucial for accelerating the development of two of Andhra Pradesh's fastest-growing urban centres.

Naidu who met iUnion Minister Hardeep Singh Puri invited him to lay foundation stone for BPCL Greenfield Refinery in Nellore district. The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the refinery, with a massive investment of ₹96,862 crore, would be one of the largest integrated energy projects in the country. He said the project would significantly strengthen India's refining capacity and contribute to national energy security.