Rajamahendravaram: Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced that the state government is gearing up to meet the Centre’s deadline for completing the Polavaram project. Diaphragm wall construction will begin in January 2025, he confirmed while speaking alongside Minister Kandula Durgesh on Saturday.
To finalize the diaphragm wall design and other structural decisions, a workshop is scheduled at Polavaram in early November, featuring input from the Central Water Commission (CWC), Polavaram Project Authority (PPA), and international experts. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will visit Polavaram in mid-November to oversee the project and set an accelerated timeline. Current work includes removing water accumulated from seepage at the upper and lower coffer dams, expected to finish by month-end.
Minister Ramanaidu criticized the prior government, alleging that the YSRCP’s administration neglected water resources, affecting farmers adversely. He highlighted a severe shortfall in maintenance funds for canals, locks, and gates, noting that under Jagan’s leadership, only ₹275 crores were spent over five years, whereas ₹980 crores are required annually. Companies Bawar and Megha have committed to completing the diaphragm wall by March 2026, with hopes to finish three months earlier.
