Andhra Pradesh CM Urges Farmers to Cede Land for Narsapuram Port Development

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu urged farmers in West Godavari’s Narsapuram to cede land for a new medium‑size port on September 1, 2026. The port, which the government says will boost maritime trade, aquaculture, and local employment, has faced resistance from villagers who fear losing their farmland.

During a ceremony where NTR Bharosa pensions were distributed, Naidu said the state had been working on a port proposal for the Narsapuram coast for years, but farmers had not offered support. “The port will give a fillip to maritime trade and a boost to aquaculture and aqua farmers,” he told the gathering. He urged residents to remember that neighboring ports at Machilipatnam and Kakinada already benefit the region.

Naidu also highlighted other development initiatives in the district. The government has sanctioned ₹20 crore for the Aqua University of Andhra Pradesh and plans further funding to make it a premier institute. He promised an action plan for modernising the Godavari delta irrigation system and acquiring land for a dumping yard in Narsapuram town. Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries B. Srinivasa Varma and Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu were present at the event.

In a separate speech, Naidu accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of obstructing local‑body elections by filing court petitions. He said the YSRCP was scared of an “absolute majority” for the NDA, citing recent surveys that predict a majority in the upcoming elections. “The government encourages unanimous elections to promote unity and peace,” he said, noting that the state will miss Finance Commission grants if elections are postponed. Naidu also defended his decision to raise the reservation for Backward Classes in local‑body elections to 34 percent, a move the YSRCP has challenged in court.

The chief minister reiterated that the state would allow voters to choose their own leaders for local bodies, instead of party‑appointed chiefs, and that a full term would be guaranteed if a candidate won by a clear majority. He warned against accepting money from contesting candidates, arguing that such practices undermine clean politics.

Naidu also discussed the Godavari water diversion project, which will channel water into the north‑eastern districts. The river will reach Anakapalle district from Tuesday, with plans to connect to Visakhapatnam next year and link with the Vamsadhara. “The Godavari waters used to flow into the sea after Rajamahendravaram. Now we are redirecting them to Uttarandhra, changing the region’s history,” he said.

The port proposal, if approved, would provide a new maritime gateway for Andhra Pradesh, complementing existing ports at Kakinada and Machilipatnam and potentially increasing the state’s share of national trade. The government remains optimistic that the benefits of the port will persuade local farmers to cooperate, though the issue remains contentious.

#NarsapuramPort #AndhraPradesh #NChandrababuNaidu #WestGodavari #GodavariWaterProject #YSRCP #LocalBodyElections