Now, focus is on Krishna-Penna linking: CM.

Buoyed with the success of Godavari-Krishna Rivers interlinking, the State government is now focusing on interlinking of Krishna-Penna rivers, and Penna and Palar rivers. Authorities have been already instructed to prepare a detailed project report over the technical feasibility of the projects.

Emphasis is being laid on intra-river linkage in the State, followed with inter-river linking. This will help in maintaining a balance with regions getting surplus waters and those facing deficit waters, said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here on Friday.

'AP has set an example for interlinking of rivers. Efforts will be made to expedite the Polavaram project to complete it by 2018,' he said.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 1,000 crore, including Rs. 300 crore for Polavaram project. This is not sufficient and there is need for more funds, he said.

Giving details of the Singapore trip, Mr. Naidu said the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was invited for the foundation laying ceremony of Amaravati on October 22. The Singapore Government was asked to participate in the bid for Master Developers of Amaravati and Japan has also evinced interest in participating in the bids. The companies will be provided land to develop projects, including infrastructure, roads etc and the government will be sharing profits after the projects are completed, he said.

'It will be like a land owner tying up with builder to construct an apartment. An Economic Development Board will be constituted to oversee all these aspects. Modalities are being worked out on the profit sharing ratio,' said Mr. Naidu.


THE HINDU