YS Sharmila Alleges Chandrababu Is Diluting Polavaram Project

APCC President Y.S. Sharmila Reddy launched a sharp attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that the government is weakening the Polavaram Project instead of completing it in its original form. She claimed that restricting the project to a Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 41.15 metres, instead of the approved 45.72 metres, would significantly reduce its intended irrigation, drinking water and multi-purpose benefits. She alleged that the move amounts to compromising the state's lifeline project while prioritising political interests.

Sharmila demanded that the state government release a White Paper on Polavaram, detailing the benefits of the first phase, the status of Phase II, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) expenditure, and the timeline for completion. Raising a series of questions, she sought clarification on how many acres would receive irrigation, how many people would get drinking water, and whether the project could achieve its original objectives if the reservoir height remains at 41.15 metres. She also questioned why the state government has not secured a concrete commitment from the Centre for completing the second phase of the project.