Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu examines a model depicting the works at Gap-2, Gap-1 and the powerhouse of the Earth-cum-Rock Fill Dam during his visit to the Polavaram Irrigation Project on Monday.
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday reviewed the progress of the Polavaram Irrigation Project and directed officials to complete all critical works, including the remaining gaps in the Earth-cum-Rock Fill (ECRF) dam, rehabilitation measures and supporting infrastructure, within the stipulated timelines.
During a review meeting at the project site attended by senior officials, public representatives and representatives of the contracting agency, officials informed the Chief Minister that 89% of the civil works on the national project had been completed.
Mr. Naidu instructed officials to complete the remaining works on Gap-2 and Gap-1 of the ECRF dam on schedule. They informed him that the connectivity tunnel linking the right and left canals would be completed by the end of this month.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to expedite the construction of approach roads to the dam, works relating to the right and left embankments, and the development of the Gandi Pochamma temple near the project.
Stressing the importance of rehabilitation and resettlement, Mr. Naidu asked officials to ensure that displaced families did not face difficulties in receiving compensation and rehabilitation benefits. He also called for the early completion of land acquisition and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) works.
To enhance the project’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister suggested the construction of an iconic bridge at the project site and directed officials to develop the required public infrastructure around it.
Officials said Mr. Naidu had closely monitored the project since 2014, visiting the site 37 times and conducting 136 review meetings on its progress.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing works at Gap-2 and Gap-1 of the ECRF dam and the powerhouse before chairing the review meeting.
From the project site, Mr. Naidu also held a virtual review meeting with District Collectors, irrigation officials and Finance Department officials on 36 priority irrigation projects across the State.
He reviewed the progress of the Veligonda Project, the Polavaram Left Main Canal and other major irrigation schemes.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the government had proposed to spend ₹35,313 crore over the next three years to complete the 36 priority irrigation projects. They also said restoration works would be taken up in 1,023 irrigation schemes through the Andhra Pradesh State Infrastructure Development Corporation (APSIDC) at an estimated cost of ₹3,883 crore, benefiting 8.42 lakh acres.
Mr. Naidu directed officials to take up works under the Command Area Development Modernisation and Water Management Project in Manyam and Vizianagaram districts.
Officials informed the meeting that restoration and rejuvenation works covering 11,133 tanks and feeder channels had been completed across the State within 100 days under the Jaladhara programme, improving groundwater recharge.
The Chief Minister directed officials to implement Jaladhara works through VBG Ramji and approved the release of ₹2 crore to each district for the programme.
Officials also informed the meeting that Andhra Pradesh had spent ₹2,500 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) this year, the highest expenditure under the scheme in the country.
District Collectors from various districts and senior Finance Department officials participated in the review meeting through virtual mode.
Published – July 13, 2026 09:21 pm IST
