3 days ago
Andhra Pradesh government calls for tenders to fast track river linking project
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Vijayawada: State govt is determined to launch the dream river linking project by initiating Godavari-Banakacharla major irrigation scheme. Notwithstanding the objections and uproar from the neighbouring Telangana, Andhra Pradesh govt has decided to put the project on fast track by calling tenders.
The project will be taken up under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The Centre has raised several doubts about the economical feasibility of Godavari-Banakacherla project. However, the State has decided to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) in order to secure further clearances from the Centre for the Godavari diversion scheme. State-level technical committee and oversight committees will be appointed to screen the project DPR.
The Polavaram–Banakacherla linkage project is being undertaken under the Jalaharathi Corporation, a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The project is expected to cost 81,900 crore. Govt requested the Centre to arrange financial assistance through external aided projects (EAP) from the multinational lending agencies and also from the Union budget. It requested the Centre to ensure that at least 50% of the project cost (₹40,950 crore) is raised as EAP loans.
It requested the Centre to spare another 20% (₹16,380 crore) as grant.
AP govt is getting ready to take burden to the tune of ₹8,190 crore which is 10% of the total project cost. It proposed to involve private players to share the remaining 20% load, which is around ₹16,380 crore, under the hybrid annuity model (HAM).
A high-level delegation from state govt visited New Delhi and shared the details of Godavari-Banakacherla project with the senior officials from the Union finance ministry.
However, Sajjan Singh Yadav, additional secretary of finance ministry,reportedly asked the state officials to explain as to how the project could be technically and financially feasible when so many lift schemes are part of it. He had also wanted to know from state govt as to what would be the fate of existing projects on Krishna river when it is proposed to divert 200 tmc ft of Godavari water to Krishna basin.
He reportedly asked about the power required to operate the lift schemes, included as part of the scheme, and as to how the State wanted to generate such a huge quantum of energy.
It was also said that Yadav asked the state team how they wanted to utilise the flood waters from both Krishna and Godavari simultaneously, since flood hits both the rivers either simultaneously or with little gap.
Former agriculture minister and social activist, Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao objected the proposal to take up Godavari-Banakacherla without completion of ongoing irrigation projects.
"Several projects launched during NTR regime between1983-89 could not be completed even after 40 years and also his grandson Lokesh became minister. How could we expect Godavari-Banakacharla, proposed with Rs.1 lakh crore, would be completed anytime soon?" fumed Vadde.
He alleged that state govt is proposing the projects only to benefit the contractors, and not the state.
