Worked a lot to make system right: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that before coming to power in 2014 the irrigation projects in the state were in "haphazard" condition and that his government had to work a lot to make the system right.

Addressing the state assembly, Naidu said: "By the time we came to power in 2014, the irrigation projects in the state were in haphazard condition. Our earlier attempts were not continued, causing inertia in the system. We had to work hard to make the system set right."

Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu said: "Narendra Modi always says that he will work for doubling the income of farmers. He simply says that. But, we have already achieved it as our farmers are getting double income."

He further said, "There were 62 irrigation projects. As we prioritised and started working on resolving issues, we are able to give water for 102 lakhs acres of land now."

Taking a jibe at the central government, he said: "The government is not cooperating even though the Polavaram is a national project. The Centre has to clear more than 3500 crores that we have spent, but the Centre is not releasing the fund."

Blaming the opposition for creating hurdles, Naidu said that the opposition YSRCP has created many troubles for Pattiseema project and Polavaram project. "They complained in the green tribunal and the central government. They tried every way to create hurdles for the projects," he added.

He also said that his government has already completed 19 projects out of 62 projects and four are complete and ready for inauguration and they could complete all those 23 projects in mere 4.5 years.

Emphasising on his government's aim, Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh is number one in micro-irrigation and the aim is to give water to every acre of land, irrespective of rainfall. He also assured all the farmers that within the next five years water will be given to every acre of land.

-ANI