Expedite Polavaram works: Jagan to officials

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key works like spillway, approach channel, upstream cofferdam, ECRF dam, and gate alignment of the Polavaram project at his camp office here.

During the meeting, it was discussed that construction work was hampered due to the mistakes of the previous government. The officials said work on the cofferdam had started before the spillway works were completed and they were only partially executed. They also said the flood water reached at a speed of about 13 meters per second during the floods due to gaps in the cofferdam which led to large-scale cuts in Gap1 and Gap2 at the ECRF dam. As a result, the works of the spill channel were severely disrupted during the floods.

The officials said the spillway works have been completed and work on fixing gates and cylinders is going on at a brisk pace. The Chief Minister instructed the officials to expedite works on the spill channel and the approach channel and in the meantime complete the pending cofferdam works so that the floodwater could flow over the spillway. The officials assured the CM that the cofferdam would be constructed by the end of May. Jagan also reviewed the progress of rehabilitation and resettlement works of Polavaram project.

No height reduction

Condemning media reports regarding the reduction of the height of the project, the officials said the height of the dam would not be reduced and said the CWC (Central Water Commission) had also said the same. They said the shutters are being fixed as per the specified height and the work is being completed.

Interlinking rivers

The Chief Minister also reviewed the interlinking of rivers and asked officials to prepare proposals for the same. He said the proposals should be categorical and free from ambiguity and would be sent to the Centre.

YSR Gardens

The officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the master plan of YSR Gardens to be constructed at Polavaram. The statue of former Chief Minister Y.S Rajashekar Reddy will be installed on G-hill at Polavaram. Jagan said the designs of YSR Gardens should be such that the beauty and pleasantness should increase with time and without any hassle to the environment. He said the gardens should be designed for low-maintenance cost