3 weeks ago
Centre approves Polavaram Phase-1 at Rs 30,436 cr
The government is building a very big water project called the Polavaram Project, which will store water for farms, drinking water and making electricity.
The central government has now approved the cost of the first phase, which is about Rs 30,436.95 crore, and the water will be stored up to a height called 41.15 metres.
The plan is to finish this phase by March 2026, and the government may take one extra year if needed.
Over the last five years, the government has already sent about Rs 12,620.53 crore to help build the project.
The spillway, which lets extra water pass out safely, is almost finished.
The big dam and the canals still have some work left.
Many families had to move away from their homes because of the project, and so far 17,982 families have been shifted.
The government is also giving these families money and other help.
When it is finished, the project will give water to many farms and villages and also make electricity.
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti informed the Rajya Sabha that the revised estimated cost of Polavaram phase-1 is Rs 30,436.95 crore (2023 price level), with construction up to the +41.15 metre level.
Phase-1 completion is targeted by March 2026, subject to a one-year extension, with balance central grants limited to Rs 12,157.53 crore.
The Centre released Rs 12,620.53 crore for the project over the last five financial years, with the highest release of Rs 5,512.40 crore in 2024-25.
Spillway work is nearly complete (earthwork 96.87 per cent, concrete 98.84 per cent, steel 92.95 per cent), while the earth-cum-rock-fill dam and canal works lag behind.
Of 96,660 project displaced families, 17,982 phase-1 families have been physically shifted, with Rs 1,373.01 crore disbursed towards R&R cash and entitlements.
- Who
- The central government, through the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, which replied in the Rajya Sabha to questions raised by MP R. Krishnaiah.
- What
- Approval of the revised phase-1 cost of the Polavaram irrigation project at Rs 30,436.95 crore, with storage up to elevation +41.15 metres.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, involving the Godavari (Polavaram)-Krishna (Vijayawada) link and the Polavaram project works, including the spillway, earth-cum-rock-fill dam and main canals.
- When
- The Rajya Sabha reply was given on Monday; phase-1 completion is targeted by March 2026, subject to a one-year extension.
- Why
- To complete phase-1 of the national Polavaram irrigation project, including dam, spillway and canal works, and to resettle project displaced families.
Key facts
- Revised phase-1 cost
- Rs 30,436.95 crore (2023 price level)
- Storage elevation
- +41.15 metres
- Completion target
- March 2026 (extendable by one year)
- Balance central grants
- Rs 12,157.53 crore
- Central funds released (5 years)
- Rs 12,620.53 crore; highest in 2024-25 at Rs 5,512.40 crore
- Spillway completion
- Earthwork 96.87%, concrete 98.84%, steel 92.95%
- Total project displaced families
- 96,660
- Phase-1 families physically shifted
- 17,982
Sources
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