Andhra Pradesh Abhivridhi Porata Samiti against shifting of Mannavaram project

Srikalahasthi MLA says that he will take up the project issue to the notice of Chief Minister to exert pressure on the Centre to revive NTBPPL for the benefit of backward Chittoor district

Tirupati: After a lull, the NTBPPL (NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Private limited) popularly known as Mannavaram project, blowing into a major issue with TDP, YSRCP, Congress and others joining hands against any move to shift the project from here.

Former TDP minister and MLA of Srikalahasthi B Gopala Krishna Reddy, in which Mannavaram village where the plant is located, 30 km from here vows to fight against any dilution or shifting of the project. 

Addressing a meeting organised by Andhra Pradesh Abhivridhi Porata Samiti (AAPS) in Srikalahasthi, Reddy said, “It is the people of Srikalahasthi Assembly segment who will be more benefitted if the project operates to its full capacity. 

Hence, I will not remain silent if the project is shifted to somewhere else.’’ 

Reddy said that he will take up the project issue to the notice of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to exert pressure on the Centre to revive NBPPL for the benefit of the backward Chittoor district.

YSRCP former Tirupati MP V Varaprasada Rao said the project was the tireless efforts of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy but was clouded after his demise. 

The Centre has allocated only RS 120 crores against RS 6,000 crore proposed to invest on the plant and even in this amount only Rs 50 crore spent on production side with the remaining amount used to pay salaries for employees, he said and added if the YSRCP comes to power, it will see the project is revived.

He said his party would extend total support to the struggle to retain and develop the project. 

AAPS president N Raja Reddy said the AAPS will strive for uniting all the parties to save the project as it is the lifeline for Rayalaseema particularly Chittoor district.

Leaders R Sridevi (Congress), R Harikrishna (CPI ML (New Democracy), Ranjitkumar (Aam Admi Party) and others wanted the ruling TDP and Opposition YSRCP join together setting aside their differences to mount pressure on the Centre to rejuvenate the plant.