Let us interlink Krishna and Godavari Rivers: CBN

AP CM Chandrababu Naidu proposes interlinking of Krishna and Godavari Rivers to stabilize cultivation in lakhs of acres and to supply water for domestic and industrial needs in Rayalaseema region. In a latest meeting held with the irrigation engineers, he also proposed interlinking of Krishna and Penna Rivers also with or without the Buckingham canal. He asked them to study and submit reports on both these proposals so as he can discuss and obtain necessary permission, funds from the central water resources ministry.

Central government is also planning to interlink some rivers with Ganga. It also ear marked similar plans for AP state. CM Chandrababu Naidu taking advantage of this opportunity, comes-up with these two proposals. He is proposing this interlinking of Krishna and Godavari Rivers to prevent enormous recurring expenses on lift irrigation system. If the flood waters are to be pumped from the Godavari river with lift irrigation system, it will cost the government Rs.1,272 crores. Besides there will be operation and maintenance that may cost the government around Rs.284 crores per annum. So, these additional recurring expenses can be prevented if both these rivers are interlinked.

CM Chandrababu Naidu is leaving for New Delhi tomorrow to attend a meeting convened by Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati. He will put his proposals in the meeting. If, the Central minister nods to his proposals, then he will be able to start these two ambitious projects also along with several other projects. If these two projects also materialized then it may bring lakhs of acres of land into use for cultivation and also will be compensating the loss of fertile lands that are going under the proposed capital city.