Vijayawada: Shortage of manpower to supervise the execution of Polavaram irrigation project is becoming a cause of concern for officials entrusted with the task of completing the project as per the deadline.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to expedite works and complete the Polavaram project early, so that it provides water for drinking purposes, cultivation of crops and meet the industrial needs.
However, this has raised concerns within the department of water resources, which has the main responsibility of completing the project. The department has vacancies even at the level of senior officers. The post of superintending engineer is lying vacant, as the incumbent has been elevated as chief engineer. Out of the eight posts of executive engineers, four are lying vacant. Only 60–70 per cent of assistant engineers’ posts have been filled, as against the sanctioned strength.
Though Polavaram is a national project, the state government has taken up the responsibility of executing the project. There are a host of central agencies, like Polavaram Project Authority, Central Water Commission, Jal Shakti Ministry, Dam Design Review Commission, Revised Cost Committee, and Water and Power Consultancy Services involved in the project.
Senior water resource officials are supposed to meet the heads and members of these agencies, mainly located in Delhi, at periodic intervals to get their approvals for designs of various components of the project and other issues. They also need to update them on the progress of work and so on.
Sources from water resources department say adequate manpower must be available, especially at the senior level, so that there can be better coordination with officials in Delhi. They disclosed that pressure has been mounting on the few officials, which could lead to messing up of works.
When contacted, a senior official from water resources department said, “It is true that we are having shortage of manpower, especially at the senior level. Though we are not having any issue at present, it may cause trouble when work on the project gains pace.”
Further, the Chief Minister’s Office is likely to seek live telecast of project works, so that the CM can monitor works directly and issue directions to officials for early completion of works. This could add to pressure on the available senior water resources officials.
