Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday dedicated to the people the Pattiseema project, aimed at diverting water from the Godavari river to Rayalaseema region. The lift irrigation project in West Godavari district will link Godavari river with Krishna river as the surplus water will be diverted to Prakasam barrage.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said his vision was to make the state drought free in four years. He said linking the two rivers will help achieve the objective. Naidu pointed out that 3,000 TMC of Godavari water is going waste into the sea while the Krishna river hardly has any water. The chief minister said Pattiseema was the first river linking project in South India. The project will divert surplus water from the Godavari to drought-prone Rayalaseema region. Naidu had laid the foundation stone of the project on March 29 this year and the first phase was completed in record time.

The release of the water will take some more days. He criticised the opposition parties for trying to obstruct the Pattiseema project by alleging that it will harm the interests of Godavari districts. The TDP chief thanked the people of the two districts for understanding the objective of the project. Naidu described the Rs.1,300 crore project as 'prestigious' and 'historic' which will irrigate Rayalaseema's farmlands. The project will also cater to the drinking water needs of Rayalaseema region and other districts.

The opposition YSR Congress party has charged the government with favouring the project contractor by including tailor made requirements in the Pattiseema tender and allowing an excess amount of Rs.286 crore to be quoted on the price offered in violation of rules.   IANS