Polavaram Project Works at Snail's Pace, Says Irrigation Minister Rambabu
KAKINADA: Minister for water resources Ambati Rambabu has said the Polavaram Project works are progressing at a snail’s pace due to heavy flows in River Godavari -- between the lower cofferdam and upper cofferdam. “There exists a huge gap between these two dams. As a result, it is not possible to activate the project works,” he said.
The minister, along with Polavaram project chief engineer Narasimha Murthy, superintendent Sudhakar Babu and Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme superintendent engineer Shyam Prasad visited the Polavaram project on Wednesday and inspected the works. A review was done on the shifting of the canal in C-Phase of the lower and upper cofferdam works.
Later the minister told the media at the Polavaram Project site that the Union water resources ministry has to take a decision whether the damaged diaphragm wall is to be repaired or a new parallel diaphragm wall constructed. Based on this, the diaphragm wall works can be started.
At present, the D-water works are being done between the upper cofferdam and lower cofferdam. After completing these works, compact compound works can be started, he said.
Rambabu said that during the Telugu Desam term, the central government approved a rate of Rs 25,330 crore and the TD government accepted this. But, the cost has increased over the past 10 years. “To complete the works up to 41.5 contour, the present state government submitted a report citing Rs 31,625 crore as revised cost to the central water commission. The central government is expected to reimburse the amount. The bills are pending with the Centre.”
Another Rs 16,000 crore is needed to take up the project works up to the 45.72 contour level. The work could then be started. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy submitted representations to the Union Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi , seeking release of the funds, he said.
Rambabu said the project victims would be given the R&R package soon and land acquisition also would be done. The state cabinet also has to approve some issues. "After release of funds from the Union Government, the project works can be expedited," he said.
