The Andhra Pradesh government is seeking central approval for the second phase of the Polavaram major irrigation project, even as work on the first phase progresses at a brisk pace.
Union Jal Sakthi ministry secretary V L Kantha Rao held a high-level meeting with state government officials in New Delhi to review the progress of works under phase-I and discuss issues related to phase-II.
The phase-I of the project aims to impound water up to 41.15 meters with a storage capacity of 115 tmc, while phase-II will achieve a full reservoir level of 45.72 meters with a total storage capacity of 194.60 tmc.
The state government has informed the Centre that the phase-I is on track, with the diaphragm wall completed and work on the Earth-Cum-Rock-Fill (ECRF) dam commenced.
Rehabilitation and resettlement of 38,060 displaced families within the 41.15-meter contour in Phase-I are nearing completion, with compensation being paid.
However, the state government faces a larger rehabilitation challenge in phase-II, with 67,946 families yet to be compensated and rehabilitated.
The Centre has directed the Central Water Commission to conduct joint surveys with neighbouring states to address their objections and clarify the extent of potential submergence impacts.
