In a significant announcement during the Andhra Pradesh Assembly session, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set an ambitious timeline to complete the Polavaram irrigation project by 2027. Outlining the roadmap, Naidu emphasized his commitment to ensuring water access for every acre of farmland in the state and mitigating the risks of drought.
Polavaram Project Timelines and Budget
Naidu stated that the critical works on the diaphragm wall would commence in January 2025 and conclude by March 2026. Simultaneously, the construction of the earth-cum-rock-fill (ECRF) dam gap-1 is scheduled for completion by February 2026. The final phases of the project are expected to wrap up by December 2027.
The project, which aims to construct a dam with a height of 45.72 meters, is estimated to cost a massive ₹255,000 crore. The Union government has sanctioned ₹12,157 crore for the execution and planned completion, marking a collaborative effort between the state and central governments. Naidu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil for their support in realizing this vision.
Interlinking Rivers for Comprehensive Water Management
The Chief Minister also reiterated his ambition to interlink the rivers Godavari and Krishna, extending their waters to Nagarjuna Sagar, Bollapalli, and Penakacherla. With an estimated cost of ₹70,000 crore, this initiative aims to provide irrigation water across Andhra Pradesh and prevent future droughts.
Historical Context of the Polavaram Project
Tracing the project’s origins to 1941, Naidu recounted its evolution, from being envisioned as a storage reservoir on the Godavari River to its current scale. The foundation stone for Polavaram was first laid by then-Chief Minister T. Anjaiah in 1981, and subsequent governments have contributed to its progress.
Amaravati and Polavaram: Pillars of Development
Declaring Amaravati and Polavaram as the “two eyes of Andhra Pradesh,” Naidu stressed their importance in shaping the state’s economic and agricultural landscape.
Legislative Achievements
In addition to discussing irrigation projects, the Assembly passed four key amendments aimed at improving cooperative societies, excise regulations, and the trade of liquor within the state. These legislations underscore the government’s holistic approach to development.
Chandrababu Naidu’s vision for the Polavaram project and interlinking rivers symbolizes his long-term strategy for water sustainability and agricultural growth in Andhra Pradesh, promising a prosperous future for the state.
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