Before 2014, the compensation given to the displaced was meagre. After coming to power in 2014, our NDA government disbursed Rs. 4,311 crore as compensation -N. Chandrababu Naidu , Chief Minister

metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his government's commitment to completing the rehabilitation of Polavaram project evacuees before releasing water from the reservoir. He emphasized that the project, considered the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, should be completed by December 2027, with full rehabilitation by December 2026. CM Naidu made these remarks during an aerial survey of the project and a direct interaction with displaced residents.

CM Naidu criticized the previous government for neglecting the concerns of displaced residents. “Before 2014, the compensation given to the displaced was meagre. After coming to power in 2014, our NDA government disbursed Rs. 4,311 crore as compensation. However, the government that ruled from 2019 to 2024 did not take any steps to address the issues of the displaced. There are no records of any concrete measures taken by them,” he said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Telangana's seven submerged mandals were merged into Andhra Pradesh after discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate Polavaram’s completion. He also noted that since the coalition government returned to power in 2024, Rs. 829 crore had been deposited directly into the accounts of the displaced.

Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for the delays that resulted in increased project costs. He recalled that during his tenure from 2014-2019, the project was progressing at a rapid pace. “Had we continued in power in 2019, Polavaram would have been completed by 2020. The delay caused by the previous government has led to escalating costs. The diaphragm wall, which could have been built with Rs. 400 crore, was washed away due to negligence. Now, we are reconstructing it at a cost of Rs. 990 crore,” he stated.

CM Naidu alleged that funds allocated for Polavaram were diverted by the previous administration for other purposes. He explained that if the Polavaram hydel project had been completed on time, it would have generated Rs. 2,500 crore in annual revenue. He assured the displaced families that his government is committed to ensuring fair compensation and livelihood opportunities post-relocation.

“Rehabilitation is not just about building houses. It is about ensuring sustainable livelihoods. We will take measures to improve income levels and living standards for the displaced. Tribals who construct houses will receive an additional Rs. 75,000 from our government,” Naidu announced.

He also emphasized that the current government does not make false promises. “Our administration does not believe in deception. We say what we can do, and we do what we say. The people of this state have seen how previous governments failed in their duties,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister assured that a thorough review would be conducted regarding complaints of missing names from the compensation lists. “We will investigate and take necessary action. No eligible person will be left out,” he stated.

Accompanying the Chief Minister on his visit were Ministers Nimmala Rama Naidu, Nadendla Manohar, and senior government officials.