The Polavaram multipurpose project would be completed by 2018 or by 2019 in case of any delay, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said today after meeting Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
"We have come to an understanding. I had a lengthy meeting with Gadkari for 3-4 hours (in New Delhi last night) and that gave me trust and self-confidence that we will complete the project," Naidu told reporters here after returning from the national capital.
We will prepare an action plan to complete the whole project by 2018 or by 2019 if there is any delay, he said.
Naidu said he explained to Gadkari in detail about the importance of Polavaram and how even a day's delay (in execution of works) could cause huge (monetary) loss.
"The (Union) minister asked us to give a month's time to the existing contractor (Transstroy India) to complete the works. If he cannot do it, then works can be entrusted to other contractors. Gadkari wanted us to go ahead with the process (of identifying a new contractor)," the chief minister said.
It may be recalled that the Centre had recently asked the state government to stall the process of selecting a new contractor for the Polavaram spillway and spill channel works, sparking a political row between the coalition partners Telugu Desam and the BJP.
Opposition parties like the YSR Congress and the Jana Sena seized the opportunity to demand publication of a white paper on the project, alleging a scam.
"We will post details of every rupee spent on the website. Where is the need for a white paper," the CM said countering the opposition.
He lashed out at opposition parties for trying to stall the project by launching a venomous campaign.
"Act with wisdom and don't create hurdles for the project. Don't cause damage to the state by creating unnecessary fuss," Naidu said.
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