Polavaram Project progressing at slow pace : Ambati Rambabu

The Andhra Pradesh Minister for Water Resources, Ambati Rambabu, expressed concern over the sluggish pace of progress on the Polavaram Project.

He attributed the delay to the heavy flows in the River Godavari, particularly between the lower and upper cofferdams.

"There is a significant gap between these dams, which is currently impeding the projects advancement," he explained.Accompanied by Polavaram Project Chief Engineer Narasimha Murthy, Superintendent Sudhakar Babu, and Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme Superintendent Engineer Shyam Prasad, the minister conducted an extensive inspection of the project site.

They reviewed the canal shifting in the C-Phase of the lower and upper cofferdam works.Following the inspection, Minister Rambabu emphasized that a crucial decision must be made by the Union Water Resources Ministry regarding whether to repair the damaged diaphragm wall or construct a new parallel one.This decision will dictate the commencement of diaphragm wall-related activities.Presently, focus is on D-water works between the upper and lower cofferdams.

Once these tasks are completed, efforts will shift towards the compact compound works.Minister Rambabu provided context about the projects financial aspects.

He mentioned that during the Telugu Desam term, the central government approved a budget of Rs 25,330 crore, a figure that was accepted by the TD government.However, over the past decade, costs have escalated."To reach the 41.5 contour level, the current state government submitted a revised estimate of Rs 31,625 crore to the Central Water Commission.Reimbursement from the central government is pending," he stated.An additional Rs 16,000 crore is required to progress the project to the 45.72 contour level.Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy has made representations to the Union Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for the release of funds.