The more the hurry respective state governments showed to complete the project, the more delay it resulted in.
The project is in a desperate need to get Centre’s approval for the balance amount of Rs 12,157 cr out of the total revised cost of Rs 30,436 cr under phase-1. Once the Centre gives its approval, it would pave the way for release of the balance Rs 12,157 cr and reimbursement of the remaining amount spent by the state government.
The water resources authorities are taking up ground improvement works at the site where earth-cum-rock-fill dam is supposed to be constructed. As the authorities intend to go ahead with the construction of a continuous diaphragm wall parallel to the existing damaged one, they are awaiting the approval of designs from the Central Water Commission to go ahead with the works.
Once the D-wall issue is resolved and its construction is completed, the authorities will go ahead with the embankment where the ECRF dam will be constructed.
As AP is waiting for the onset of south west monsoon, there will be no work from July to October as the Godavari river is expected to witness floods. Works can resume only in November and continue till June.
With regard to the progress of the project execution, total project works including land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and engineering works are completed 49.79% with the dam height at 45.72 meter contour level.
As for engineering works, 75.77% has been completed. It may take another two to three years to complete the project even if all design approvals and financial support are given.
Polavaram chief engineer in-charge Narasimha Murthy said, “We are taking up ground improvement works for ECRF dam at present and we are awaiting approvals for designs for D-Wall and other components apart from the Centre’s nod for financial support to resume the project work.”
