Delay in Polavaram Project attributed to Jagan government: Union Minister CR Patil in Lok Sabha 

The Capital News 

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil clarified in the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the delay in the Polavaram Project can be attributed to the failures of the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration. The Union Minister’s remarks were made in response to questions raised by TDP MPs Lavu Srikrishnadevarayalu and Harish. In a detailed written response, Patil pointed out that the change of contractor, along with delays in land acquisition and rehabilitation programs, significantly impacted the project’s timeline.

He referenced a 2021 report by IIT Hyderabad that highlighted these issues. Patil provided a timeline for the project’s completion, stating that the first phase is expected to be completed by March 2026. He also mentioned that the Centre has allocated Rs 8,044.31 crore over the past three years to support the project.

In terms of progress, Patil revealed that from 2021-22, only 21 percent of the main earthworks and 5.3 percent of concrete works have been completed. For the right canal, 1.72 percent of the lining work and 0.39 percent of the structures have been completed, while the left canal saw 0.30 percent earthworks, 1.18 percent lining, and 3.33 percent structures completed.

Land acquisition progress stands at 0.22 percent, and the relief rehabilitation program at 8 percent.

The Polavaram Project Authority has enlisted the help of IIT Hyderabad since August 2021 to assess the project’s status and identify the causes of delays, Patil added