Vundavalli doubts completion of Polavaram project in time

Wondering how the State government could complete the Polavaram irrigation project by 2018 as only 6% of the tunnel works had been completed so far, former MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar on Friday said the hue and cry over the project by the neighbouring States was only because of the massive campaign launched by the State on the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation project.

“I am ready for an open debate on the Jalayagnam launched by the former Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and I want the TDP leaders to come out with facts and figures on the Polavaram, Pattiseema, and Purushottapatnam projects,” he said while addressing a press conference here.

Mr. Arun Kumar said with the State government bringing the Purushottapatnam project into the scene, apprehensions began among the people on the completion of the Polavaram project.

“Works have come to a standstill at the Polavaram project site and the Centre expressed dissatisfaction over the pace at which the works are going on. The CAG’s report raised objections over the spending of ₹390 crore. Instead of bringing these facts before the people, the government is trying to manage the project with graphics-like arrangement,” he said.

The former MP expressed doubts over the non-appointment of the PAC, and alleged that it was only because of the rampant corruption in the irrigation projects.

“I am ready to prove that there were no irregularities in the works undertaken during the Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure, the leader who commenced the Polavaram works. Are the TDP leaders ready to prove the same during their rule?” he asked.

Ridiculing the dedication of Pattiseema project to the nation as a mere publicity stunt, Mr. Arun Kumar said the project was dedicated to the nation in August 2015, but the motors for it were purchased the following month.

“Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu dedicated the Pattiseema project to the public, which was not equipped with motors then,” he said.

Alleging that the TDP leaders were misguiding the public with regard to the quantum of water being released from the Pattiseema to the Krishna delta and the progress of works at the Polavaram site, he demanded that an open discussion be conducted on the irrigation project.

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