By In his recent Delhi visit, it is reported that CM Chandrababu has achieved positive outcomes on key issues related to the state. His Delhi tour primarily focused on the Polavaram and Amaravati projects. Among them, it seems that the Chief Minister concentrated his attention on the highly problematic and complex Polavaram project.
Polavaram Project: Chandrababu Secures Firm Assurance from Delhi Leaders During His Tour!
AP CM Chandrababu Naidu has concluded his three-day visit to Delhi. During this trip, he focused intensely on the Polavaram project. Discussions in Andhra Pradesh political circles are centered on what assurances Chandrababu received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Delhi leaders regarding the future of this project. Reports indicate that CM Chandrababu achieved positive outcomes on key state-related issues during his visit, with the Polavaram and Amaravati projects being the main agenda. Among these, it appears that Chandrababu devoted significant attention to the highly problematic Polavaram project.
The final DPR is not yet ready, and the construction of the guide bund and diaphragm wall remains pending. An international expert team that recently reviewed the project suggested some changes. Addressing all these issues is not easy, which is why Chandrababu himself intervened. With the goal of completing the diaphragm wall construction within the next two seasons, he decided to restart Polavaram work from November. It seems that the state is considering moving forward with construction responsibilities in partnership with the central government.
Chandrababu’s primary focus is on the crucial diaphragm wall construction in the Polavaram project. To save time and money, there is a thought to assign the new diaphragm wall construction to the previous agency. Despite previous warnings from the CWC and PPA against changing the construction agency, the former government did not heed this advice, leading to complications. Hence, Chandrababu decided to continue the work with the same agency, Megha Constructions.
In 2022, when the diaphragm wall was damaged, tenders were called for repairs, and the previous contractor agreed to complete 29,000 square meters of wall work for ₹390 crores. Now, a new diaphragm wall requires 73,000 cubic meters of work. Officials believe that continuing with the same agency at the previous rates will prevent delays. To avoid additional financial burden on the government, it was suggested during the meeting to continue working with the old agency, Megha Constructions.
Regarding the Polavaram project, the second DPR has not yet been approved by the Center. During Chandrababu’s tenure from 2014-19, the Central Water Commission approved ₹55,656 crores. Later, the Revised Cost Committee recommended ₹47,725.74 crores, but these funds have not yet been sanctioned by the Center. The Central Water Commission recommended ₹31,625 crores for the first phase, considering the status quo on rehabilitation at the 41.15-meter level, land acquisition, structures, and canals during the previous government’s tenure. However, completing the Polavaram project with these funds is not feasible now. Additional funds are needed for the reconstruction of damaged structures. CM Chandrababu reportedly brought these issues to the attention of central leaders, including Modi and Amit Shah, during their meetings, and received their approval.
Chandrababu has made it clear to officials that he is ready to visit Delhi as many times as needed to meet with central leaders for the sake of Amaravati and Polavaram and that the responsibility to ensure no delays lies with him. He assured the officials that if there are any delays, he will intervene, and if necessary, he will personally speak with central ministers.
It seems that the Polavaram project work will resume this November, with a primary focus on the diaphragm wall construction. If this is completed, it will pave the way for the rapid completion of the remaining work. The government has set a target to complete the diaphragm wall within two seasons, and if the work proceeds according to the CM’s plan, the construction of the right and left canals, along with the entire project, is expected to be completed satisfactorily. We will have to wait and see what happens.
