Chandrababu Naidu Vows Completion and Justice for Polavaram Displaced Families

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu stresses the importance of the Polavaram project, ensures compensation for displaced families, and criticizes the previous government's handling of the project. He promises to complete rehabilitation by 2027, focusing on accountability and support for tribal communities' sacrifices and future development.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday underscored the critical importance of the Polavaram project, describing it as the state's lifeline. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to justice for those who sacrificed for its progress. Naidu pledged that all displaced families would be rehabilitated before water release, with operations to start subsequently, according to a press statement.

CM Naidu conducted an aerial inspection of the Polavaram project site and held direct discussions with displaced families, per a press release. "Before our tenure began in 2014, compensation for displaced families was minimal. Once the NDA government took office in 2014, Rs 4,311 crore was distributed as compensation. However, the government that assumed power in 2019 disregarded your issues. They didn't recognize your struggles," he stated.

Naidu added, "We persuaded then-Prime Minister Modi to integrate seven submersed mandals from Telangana into Andhra Pradesh to ensure Polavaram's completion. We exerted every effort to achieve justice for you. After the coalition government assumed office in 2024, Rs 829 crore was transferred directly to displaced families' accounts." He highlighted that Jagan, while in opposition, vowed Rs 10 lakh to each affected family but failed to deliver during YSRCP rule.

"During floods, they ignored your plight. Now, they'll return making hollow promises. Previous administrations neglected Polavaram, but had we continued post-2019, it would've been done by 2020," Naidu commented. Delays have caused significant cost inflation, with the diaphragm wall, initially built for Rs 400 crore, requiring rebuilding at Rs 990 crore after a collapse under YSRCP watch. Public funds should serve people, not be squandered, he insisted.

Naidu explained his personal commitment, visiting the project site 33 times, declaring every Monday as Polavaram Day. By 2027, the rehabilitation process will be complete, and measures to boost income and living standards will follow. Concerns from families excluded from compensation lists will be addressed, ensuring every entitled individual is compensated. The CM criticized former governments for diverting central Polavaram funds to other projects. Completion would have fostered stability, and generated Rs 2,500 crore in revenues if timely.

"Post-rehabilitation, income enhancement and living standard improvements will be implemented. This government's dedication to the monumental Polavaram project is unwavering. Let us remember the monumental support you provided; this is your government," Naidu stated. He condemned middlemen and empty promises, pledging only deliverable commitments. Naidu announced an additional Rs 75,000 support for tribal families' housing, acknowledging their sacrifices.

(With inputs from agencies.)