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Govt lags behind on 2 tasks
Andhra Pradesh’s two major projects – construction of Amaravati and Polavaram Irrigation projects-are still facing teething troubles. The fate of the two projects is entirely depended on Union government and its agencies. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu believes that these two projects are his two eyes as those can decide fate of the state in future.
- State seeks Centre’s support to resolve the twin challenges of starting construction of Amaravati and completion of prestigious Polavaram irrigation project by 2019
- It suggests change of contractor and splitting of works to complete Polavaram as per deadline
- Two projects are facing litigations and legal battles on environmental aspects
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s two major projects – construction of Amaravati and Polavaram Irrigation projects-are still facing teething troubles. The fate of the two projects is entirely depended on Union government and its agencies. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu believes that these two projects are his two eyes as those can decide fate of the state in future.
The ruling party feels the progress in the two projects will decide their political prospects in the next General elections. Ruling party leaders worry due to persisting challenges at grass-root level in the execution of two projects.
According to higher officials and senior leaders of ruling party, the government is facing various problems to complete the two important projects as per plan. The State government has been trying to launch the construction of capital city for the past 30 months. It had fixed Muhurat (auspicious time) for launching the works; but was deferred for several reasons including delay in legal and environmental clearances. In addition to these hurdles, the government has come to a conclusion that completion of Polavaram project would become impossible unless the contractor is changed. It also suggests splitting of works and to allot them to at least five contractors separately. Still, the State government has not taken up the issue of evacuees under Rehabilitation and Resettlement which needs huge funds.
Despite these obstacles, the State government has claimed that more than half of the earth work had been completed and remaining works are pending at various stages. Contrary to its claims, works were halted in midway. In a sudden move, the State government expressed dissatisfaction on the slow progress of works, while the contractors say problems in billing was one of the reason for the delay.
Following the developments, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari to replace the contract company and solve delay in payment.
One senior official of water resources ministry, on condition of anonymity, said that completion of the project as per deadline is impossible. It would be possible if the works are split by allotting more number of contractors only, he said. On the other hand, the Forest and Environmental agencies of Union government are yet to clear various queries in sanctioning permissions for capital construction.
Apart from this, several cases against the Amaravati capital city construction are pending with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) is waiting to solve the issues with the support of State government.
Patibandla Srinivas
