New Delhi: Union Minister for Water Resources, Uma Bharti on Thursday, assured the Andhra Pradesh government that the Ministry had approached the Finance Commission for increasing the allocations to the Polavaram Project. This was followed by the request of the AP government and the subsequent intervention of the Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and Y S Chowdhary in this regard.

Responding to a question on the same, Uma Bharti said so far Rs 250 crore had been released for the project. Efforts were on to complete the Project within the stipulated time of seven years. It may be recalled that AP Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu as well his cabinet colleagues have been seeking completion of the project within four years.

They have also requesting allocation and release of funds to achieve the target. Allaying the fears of the displaced tribals in connection with this, the Union Minister guaranteed a full and fairer compensation to them. “They need not worry as they would be given the best possible Relief and Rehabilitation package, just as the Narmada Dam oustees,” she assured.

The Union Minister said her ministry was in constant dialogue with the AP Chief Minister in this regard and both the governments would do their best.The Ministry was looking into the demand by the Telangana government for according national project status to Pranahita-Chevella and a decision would be taken soon, she said.

The Ministry was in receipt of the two proposals including Inchampally project. The demand was part of the promise made by the BJP during its election campaign and also later by its government to the new State of Telangana.