The fate of Polavaram Project which is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh now hangs in balance. Union Jal Shakti Ministry recently wrote the Union Finance Ministry for the release of additional funds to the tune of 4,000 Crore Rupees for the Project.
The Finance Minister replied that the Center will only fund 20,000 Crores according to the earlier cabinet resolution and rejected the request. The Central Government has already released funds to the tune of 20,000 Crores. That means no funding further.
This may be the end of Polavaram dream as the State Government is cash-strapped with different priorities. The Project is likely to cost around 55,000 Crore including R&R package. No way, the state can afford so much of money without the assistance of the Central Government.
The Project works have already slowed down significantly ever since YS Jagan Mohan Reddy assumed power in Andhra Pradesh in 2019. The State Government will need to fight a legal battle against the Center if it really has the guts to take on Modi and Amit Shah.
