Godavari Water Released into Polavaram Right Canal via Pattiseema
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu credits Chandrababu Naidu for river-linking initiative; takes swipe at Jagan
Polavaram: Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu on Wednesday said that the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme has enabled the linking of Godavari and Krishna rivers, crediting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for initiating the project.
After offering prayers at the Pattiseema project, the minister switched on the motors and released Godavari water into the Polavaram Right Canal. Addressing the gathering, he said the scheme, built between 2014 and 2019 at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, has now generated economic benefits worth ₹50,000 crore.
Ramanaidu said that those who once criticised the project are now witnessing its benefits, adding that about 450 TMC of water has been transferred so far through the scheme. He questioned former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy over his criticism of the project.
He further stated that Pattiseema stands as an example of visionary leadership and planning, and alleged that lack of foresight prevented the previous government from recognising its value. The minister added that water flowing from the upper reaches of the Godavari is being effectively diverted to the Krishna delta instead of going waste into the sea.
MLAs Siri Balraju, Muppidi Venkateswara Rao and Maddipati Dharmaraju, along with Collector Vetri Selvi, were present at the event.
