The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank together have approved loans to the extent of Rs 15,000 crore to Andhra Pradesh for the construction of Amaravati capital city, but it is learnt these lending agencies still have some doubts over the project.
The doubts are about the possible threat to the Amaravati capital city from Krishna river floods as witnessed in July last year.
Both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank reportedly expressed concerns about flood risks in the region while approving the loan.
Thought the project report submitted to the lending agencies proposed various methods to prevent flooding of Amaravati, they were apparently not satisfied.
Now, the Naidu government has come out with yet another proposal to address flood prevention in Amaravati.
Previously, the Kondaveeti Vagu lift irrigation project was constructed to protect Amaravati's capital region from Krishna River floods.
However, since this alone is not considered sufficient to provide full protection against floods, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which are funding loans for Amaravati's construction, have suggested additional measures.
As part of this, the government is preparing to construct another lift irrigation project alongside the existing Kondaveeti Vagu project.
Officials have been directed to prepare a DPR (Detailed Project Report) for a new lift irrigation scheme with a capacity of 7,350 cusecs.
Amaravati Development Corporation (ADCL) has also invited tenders for the project, with submissions open until February 14.
Previously, the TDP government completed the Kondaveeti Vagu project within 18 months at a cost of Rs 237 crore.
Now, the new lift irrigation project is expected to be completed swiftly to prevent flooding effectively.
