CM Naidu seeks Central support for irrigation and infrastructure projects in A.P.
The Hindu
CM Naidu seeks Central support for irrigation, infrastructure, and organic farming initiatives in Andhra Pradesh during meetings in New Delhi.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) raised a series of crucial issues concerning Andhra Pradesh during separate meetings with Union Ministers for Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Railways, and Urban Development as part of his official visit to New Delhi, seeking expeditious clearances, enhanced financial assistance, and resolution of long-pending inter-State disputes.
In his meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over Karnataka’s move to increase the height of the Almatti dam, warning that it would adversely affect downstream water availability to Andhra Pradesh. He urged the Centre to safeguard the State’s interests and sought early resolution of inter-State river water disputes.
Requesting the permanent lifting of the stop-work order on the Polavaram project and seeking reimbursement for additional expenditure incurred on canal capacity enhancement, he also sought financial support for Polavaram Phase II, estimated at ₹32,000 crore, and approvals for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar link project under the national river interlinking programme.
During a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Mr. Naidu pressed for enhanced Central assistance to promote organic and natural farming. Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s reduction in chemical fertiliser usage by 2.28 per cent in 2024–25, he sought immediate release of ₹216 crore under the PM-PRANAM scheme.
Nearly 18 lakh farmers had opted for organic farming across 8 lakh hectares. The Chief Minister also sought ₹200 crore for the development of the coconut sector, the release of pending funds under ‘Per Drop More Crop’, and Central support for Totapuri mango farmers and the establishment of a Makhana Development Board in the Kolleru region.
During his meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mr. Naidu sought fast-tracking of pending railway projects, operationalisation of the South Coastal Railway Zone from April 1, and alignment of the Bengaluru–Chennai high-speed rail corridor via Tirupati. He also proposed new rail lines, freight corridors, Vande Bharat services, and mega coaching terminals across the State.
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