‘Govt to release schedule for resuming Polavaram works soon’

Minister for Water Resources, Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu, has announced that the State government will finalise and release the schedule for resuming work on the Polavaram Irrigation Project in the second week of December. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to visit the project soon and will make the official announcement.
In a media briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Minister Ramanaidu stated that all obstacles to the project’s progress have been cleared, and the government is ready to restart work. National and international experts have evaluated the project, and the Central Water Commission has approved the designs for the diaphragm wall and the Earth Cum Rockfill Dam (ECRF), enabling construction to resume.
Following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naidu, the government has decided to begin work on the diaphragm wall in January next year. Subsequently, CM Naidu will launch the ECRF works, with both projects scheduled to proceed concurrently. Technical approval for these constructions has been granted, and ground improvement works at the ECRF site are expected to be completed this month.
Additionally, Minister Ramanaidu mentioned that, following directives from Chief Minister Naidu, the government has allocated Rs 996 crore for rehabilitation and the construction of colonies, funds that had been pending for several years. He stressed that, as per the CM’s instructions, no time should be wasted in advancing the project.
Furthermore, he noted that the tender process for the Hundri-Neeva Project, which aims to provide drinking and irrigation water facilities to the Rayalaseema region, is underway. The government is also actively working to restart the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme and resolve any remaining obstacles.
*******