CM Naidu Using Banakacherla to Distract from Polavaram Issues, Claims APCC Chief Sharmila

Quick Summary

• APCC president Y.S. Sharmila accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of using the Banakacherla project to divert attention from the Polavaram project’s shortcomings.
• She claimed that the Polavaram project’s height was reduced from 45 meters to 41 meters by the TDP-led government to avoid ₹25,000 crore in Relief and Rehabilitation costs.
• The initial estimated cost of Polavaram in 2019 was ₹55,000 crore, revised to ₹30,000 crore in 2024; it has also been converted from a gravity irrigation project to a lift irrigation project.
• Ms. Sharmila criticized ruling party MPs for failing to challenge this issue in Parliament and suggested they were making “political compromises.”
• Regarding Banakacherla:

– Allegedly lacks necessary permissions from departments such as Forest Department.
– Requires land acquisition of 50,000 acres, with 20,000 acres being forest lands.
– Projected cost is ₹80,000 crore but lacks clarity on funding sources.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Ms.Sharmila’s allegations raise critical issues concerning governance and priorities for major infrastructure projects in Andhra pradesh. If true, reducing the proposed scale of Polavaram could have notable implications for its intended benefits like water distribution efficiency and agricultural support. Likewise, converting it into a lift irrigation model likely lessens its sustainability over time.

The Banakacherla project’s alleged lack of regulatory clearances further intensifies concerns about proper planning or feasibility assessments before announcing costly initiatives like this one (₹80,000 crores). Clarity on environmental impact and financing could effect both public trust and resource allocation.

These developments underscore a broader challenge: balancing enterprising infrastructure needs while maintaining transparency around procedures and addressing local expectations responsibly.

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