Ready for CBI Probe in Seema Project, Declares Ambati

VIJAYAWADA: Water resources minister Ambati Rambabu said that they have no objection to any probe into the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, including by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).  

Refuting allegations of TD leader and PAC chairman Payyavula Keshav of ₹900 crore scam in the Rayalaseema lift scheme, the minister said it is a fact that a ₹900 crore loan has been taken from Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) for the project.

However, he clarified that REC paid to contractors not ₹900 crore as alleged but ₹739.5 crore. “Field engineers thoroughly checked all works, checked M book records, and tested quality to ensure that works have been done as per norms. REC released the funds only after confirming that all works have been done as stipulated and without violation,” Rambabu maintained.

The minister asserted that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will also complete the Polavaram project, just as he has ensured building of Polavaram’s lower and upper cofferdams, spillway and approach channel.

He emphasised that Polavaram project is going through a predicament because of former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s  reckless decisions, like constructing the diaphragm wall without the cofferdam being in place. “Polavaram, which had been started by great leader Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, will be completed by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy,” he declared. He admitted that there has been some delay in works due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Rambabu accused Chandrababu Naidu of using Polavaram project as an ATM. He said the historic mistake that Naidu made by constructing the diaphragm wall without completing the cofferdam, is now being rectified by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The minister said the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has inspected Polavaram. Based on its recommendation, which is expected soon, it will be decided whether the diaphragm wall should be repaired or a new diaphragm wall constructed.

“Jagan government is working sincerely on construction of Polavaram project. I am ready to prove Chandrababu's mistake in construction of the diaphragm wall,” Rambabu stated.