On Thursday in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sat down with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for central assistance on a slate of infrastructure and water‑management schemes.
During the meeting Naidu outlined the state’s current development agenda, highlighted its economic challenges and raised concerns over agriculture and irrigation. He briefed the Prime Minister on the Polavaram dam’s progress and advocated linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers, a move he said would secure water supplies for southern Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Naidu pointed to the extensive road and power‑grid networks built under successive NDA governments, suggesting that a national water grid could emerge if the river‑link project proceeds. He also informed Modi that preparations are under way for the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled for 2027, and asked for financial support to develop the associated facilities, expecting pilgrims from the two Telugu states as well as other parts of India and abroad.
The chief minister warned that Andhra Pradesh had experienced a 53 per cent rainfall deficit this year due to the El Niño phenomenon, which has strained the agricultural sector. He described the drought‑mitigation steps his government is implementing and sought central help for major projects such as the Outer Ring Road around Amaravati, approval for a Visakhapatnam Metro and the proposed Beach Road development.
Naidu also presented the Swarna Andhra‑2047 Vision, aimed at delivering inclusive growth, and highlighted the recently launched Global Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle, a Centre‑backed initiative. He noted that the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture, modelled on the Indian School of Business, has been laid.
Congratulating Modi on completing 25 years as prime minister, Naidu praised his leadership, cooperative federalism and the boost it has given India’s global standing.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News