Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu pushing Banakacherla to divert attention from Polavaram project, says APCC chief Sharmila
In a statement, Ms. Sharmila alleged that the TDP-led NDA government was betraying the people by reducing the Polavaram project's height to 41 metres from 45 metres to avoid Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) costs, saving the Centre ₹25,000 crore.
In 2019, the estimated cost of the project was ₹55,000 crore. The revised cost in 2024 was Rs. 30,000 crore, she said, adding that it was converted from a gravity to a lift irrigation project, weakening its original intent and benefits.
She criticised the ruling party MPs for not raising the issue in Parliament, and said they were either afraid of the BJP or resorting to 'political compromises.'
Referring to the Banakacherla project, the APCC chief said it did not have the required permissions, especially from the Forest Department. Out of the 50,000 acres required, 20,000 acres were forest lands. Pointing to the whopping estimated cost of ₹ 80,000 crore, she said there was no clarity on the sources of funding.
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