Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Minister Challenges Jagan Over Polavaram Project’s Approved Height
Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy disagree about decisions on the Polavaram project.
Ramanaidu says the earlier YSRCP government planned one part of the project at 41.15 metres.
He says the full project was earlier approved at 45.72 metres.
The current NDA government says it will continue building toward the 45.72-metre level.
It plans to prepare rehabilitation proposals for people affected at both heights.
Ramanaidu also said the previous government reduced the Left Canal’s carrying capacity.
He further blamed that government for damage to the project’s diaphragm wall.
The article reports Ramanaidu’s accusations and does not include a response from Jagan.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu accused Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy of spreading misinformation about Polavaram’s height.
Ramanaidu said the previous YSRCP government proposed a 41.15-metre Phase-I level in January 2022.
He cited an earlier Technical Advisory Committee approval for a 45.72-metre project at an estimated Rs 55,548.87 crore.
The NDA government says it will continue construction toward storage at the approved 45.72-metre height.
Ramanaidu also blamed the previous government for reducing canal capacity and damage to the diaphragm wall.
- Who
- Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy are central to the dispute.
- What
- Ramanaidu challenged Jagan’s statements about Polavaram’s height and blamed the previous YSRCP government for project decisions and setbacks.
- When
- The minister made the statement on Friday; the article also cites decisions and approvals from 2019, 2022 and 2024.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh; the statement was issued from Amaravati.
- Why
- Ramanaidu said the previous government divided the project’s storage levels and was now shifting responsibility to the NDA alliance government.
- Project
- Polavaram project
- Earlier approved height
- 45.72 metres
- YSRCP Phase-I level
- 41.15 metres, proposed in January 2022
- Earlier estimated cost
- Rs 55,548.87 crore at 2017-18 price levels
- Phase-I cost finalized in 2024
- Rs 30,436.95 crore
- Full reservoir capacity
- 194.60 TMC ft
- Left Canal capacity cited
- Allegedly reduced from 17,500 cusecs to 8,122 cusecs