Polavaram Irrigation Project: New D-Wall Design Approval Anticipated by November 25
Location: Vijayawada, India
The Polavaram Irrigation Project is poised for major advancements, with designs for a new Diaphragm Wall (D-Wall) expected to receive approval by November 25, 2024. Construction on the D-Wall is anticipated to start in late December 2024 or early January 2025, with an estimated budget of Rs 900 crore. German company Bauer Group has been awarded the contract, targeting completion by March 2026, with potential for an early finish by December 2025 if conditions are favorable.
Project Timeline and Potential Challenges
- Projected Start: December 2024 or January 2025
- Completion Goal: March 2026, potentially as early as December 2025
- Cost Estimate: Rs 900 crore
- Contractor: Bauer Group (Germany)
Officials are hopeful that mild weather and typical flood patterns in the Godavari River will enable efficient progress. However, they are preparing for a possible increase in flood days, which may impact the schedule.
Earth Cum Rock Fill (ECRF) Dam Development
An international team of experts has evaluated the scoured sections and technical aspects of the ECRF Dam and will submit its report to the Central Water Commission (CWC) by February 2025 for final approval. Planned phases for construction include:
- Gap 1: Targeted for March 2025
- Gap 2: Planned for November 2025
Technical Workshop and Accountability
During a recent technical workshop, international experts discussed the project’s complex engineering requirements with officials. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, following his site visit after taking office, released a white paper holding former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration responsible for previous delays and damages. Naidu attributed gaps in the project to contractor changes and reassignment of key personnel during critical construction of the upper cofferdam, which left the project vulnerable to the severe floods in 2019 and 2020.
Funding and Financial Support
In August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved Rs 12,157 crore to complete Phase-1 of the Polavaram Project. With Rs 30,436.95 crore estimated for Phase-1, the State government had already invested Rs 4,730.71 crore before the project became a national initiative. Accounting for this, the Centre is expected to contribute Rs 25,706 crore. To date, Rs 15,146 crore has been disbursed, with an additional Rs 1,095 crore used for land acquisition and compensation. The remaining Rs 12,157 crore will be provided in two installments:
- 2024-25: Rs 6,000 crore
- 2025-26: Rs 6,157 crore
Overview
The Polavaram Project is advancing through critical development stages, with new D-Wall designs, phased ECRF Dam construction, and reinforced funding from the Centre. This significant irrigation project is expected to not only secure water resources but also greatly support agriculture and local communities in Andhra Pradesh.