TDP government trying to 'drought-proof' Andhra Pradesh, says CM Chandrababu Naidu

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh government is making efforts to "drought-proof" the state by implementing irrigation projects and interlinking rivers, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said here today.

Speaking at a discussion, he said that the Pattiseema lift irrigation project on Godavari river is a major initiative to link Godavari with Krishna river.

He said that the first phase of the Pattiseema lift irrigation project will be completed in six months. Naidu had dedicated project to the people on August 15 though water will be released only by the second week of this month.

He said that the Thotapalli project in North Coastal Andhra will be inaugurated on September 10, adding that the previous Congress government did not complete irrigation projects.

He said that the Pattiseema project, located close to the multi-purpose Polavaram irrigation project, would provide water to the Krishna river delta region and pave way for water supply to the parched Rayalaseema region.

The issue saw a heated debate with Naidu asking YSR Congress deputy leader Jyotula Nehru to spell out his party's stance on the Pattiseema project.

"Tell me whether you are for the project or against it," Naidu said.

Nehru answered that his party is in favour of interlinking rivers.