Govt. contemplating releasing water from Polavaram upper cofferdam by July 2026, says Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inspecting the works on the Polavaram irrigation venture website in Eluru district on Thursday.
| Picture Credit score: G.N. RAO

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has mentioned the federal government is contemplating releasing  water by means of gravity from the upper cofferdam of the Polavaram irrigation venture by July 2026.

“The thought will work out, supplied the appropriate and left connectivities are accomplished,” Mr. Naidu instructed the media after inspecting the works on the Polavaram irrigation venture website and holding a evaluation assembly with the officers on Thursday.

“I keep in mind saying that water may be supplied by means of gravity from the upper cofferdam. We’re engaged on it,” he mentioned.

“The duty earlier than the federal government now’s to finish the Polavaram venture earlier than July 2027 and equipment up for the Godavari Pushkarams. If technical points don’t crop up, the Section-1 works must be accomplished by July 2027. Else, they need to be accomplished by December 2027,” the Chief Minister mentioned.

Explaining the work schedule, Mr. Naidu mentioned that Hole-1 of the Earth-cum-Rock Fill  (ECRF) dam could be accomplished by February 2026. “The federal government is spending greater than ₹990 crore on development of the brand new diaphragm wall, which will probably be accomplished by December 2026,” he mentioned.

“All different works are more likely to be accomplished by the tip of 2026. The ECRF Hole-2 works will probably be accomplished by December 2027, if there aren’t any technical points,” he mentioned.

Relating to Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) works, Mr. Naidu mentioned they might be accomplished by 2026. “The federal government requires ₹6,270 crore for Section-1 A and Section-1 B works,” he mentioned.

“The Polavaram venture, which is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, has been sabotaged for mere political vendetta, private ego and immaturity. Historical past won’t ever forgive the blunders dedicated by the YSRCP authorities. ”N. Chandrababu NaiduAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Referring to the earlier YSR Congress Occasion (YSRCP) authorities’s choices, the Chief Minister mentioned, “Democracy has paid the worth. The Polavaram venture, which is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, has been sabotaged for mere political vendetta, private ego and  immaturity.”

“Historical past won’t ever forgive the blunders dedicated by the YSRCP authorities. As a nationwide venture, nobody has the appropriate to destroy public belongings. Nobody within the earlier dispensation knew the extent of injury prompted to the venture’s diaphragm wall,” Mr. Naidu mentioned.

Losses incurred

The venture ought to have been accomplished by 2020. Losses had been incurred on many fronts, together with energy era, water provide, and value escalation.

“A lack of ₹2,782 crore has been incurred on account of reverse tenders and one other ₹2,000 crore in energy era. The fee escalation pertaining to rehabilitation works is about ₹500 crore. Building of the brand new diaphragm wall is entailing a further expenditure. These are a couple of to say,” the Chief Minister mentioned.

Challenge top

Stating that the irrigation venture had been designated as a nationwide venture below the A.P. State Reorganization Act, Mr. Naidu mentioned, “We’re transferring ahead with confidence that we will full it as per schedule. The venture’s top, as per the Act, is 45.75 metres. We’re dedicated to it,” he made it clear.

Water Assets Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Civil Provides Minister Nadendla Manohar, and Info and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy had been amongst others current.