India, Feb. 10 -- Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday met Union jal shakti minister CR Patil in New Delhi and urged the central government to expedite clearances and extend financial assistance for key irrigation and water security projects, including the Polavaram project.

In a statement, the Andhra Pradesh government said Naidu highlighted the strategic importance of irrigation and drinking water infrastructure for the state. Naidu said timely central support was crucial to safeguard Andhra Pradesh's interests, secure farmers' livelihoods, and ensure long-term water security.

Pending proposals, cost escalations in national projects, and long-standing inter-state river water disputes were discussed at the meeti...