Naidu moots interlinking of rivers

Says Polavaram project will be completed by 2027, its height will remain at 45.72 metres

- S VISWANATH

CHIEF Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who envisages interlinking of rivers by taking Godavari water to Krishna, and from there to Banakacherla to provide irrigation facility to every acre of land in the State, seems to be mooting the idea of taking up irrigation projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model on the lines of development of National Highways.

"Taking water to Banakacherla, thereby completing interlinking of rivers is my life ambition. That is my dream. But it will require ₹70,000 crore as per the existing prices. All of us should think how we can get ₹70,000 crore. I am having a thought of taking forward the project on the lines of private players taking up the NH projects if possible," Naidu said, while participating in a short discussion on irrigation projects in the AP Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.