Hans News Service Polavaram

Waterresources department special chief secretary Shashibhushan Kumar directed officials and contractors to maintain momentum in the Polavaram irrigation and hydel power projects while ensuring uncompromised quality standards. He stressed that the prestigious national project must be completed by February 2027, in line with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to dedicate it by March next year.

Kumar instructed the water resources department, Polavaram Project Authority, and contracting agency Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) to work in close coordination with a clear action plan. He assured that any issue affecting construction would be resolved promptly if brought to the government’s notice.

During his first inspection after assuming charge, Kumar stayed overnight at the project guest house and began his field visit at 8 am Friday, continuing until 1.30 pm.

He reviewed progress on key components including the spillway, cofferdams, diaphragm wall, fish ladder, depletion sluice, and the earth‑cum‑rock fill (ECRF) dam. He also examined the Polavaram hydel power project and sought detailed reports from officials.

The review meeting resumed after lunch and continued until 6 PM, covering each division and project component.

Officials informed him that shortages of diesel and construction materials due to the West Asia conflict had temporarily slowed works, but the situation has stabilised. MEIL representatives assured that construction would be accelerated to meet deadlines. Kumar directed officials to implement advance action plans to ensure uninterrupted works during the monsoon season. Officials confirmed contingency measures are ready. Senior engineers and advisors including Sanjeev Vohra, K Ramesh Babu, M Venkateswara Rao, K Narasimha Murthy, R Ramachandra Rao, and MEIL representatives participated in the inspection and review.