Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) is executing the Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP) on behalf of the Government of India. The PIP was earlier planned for completion by April, 2022.  However, presently the progress on headworks, right main canal, and left main canal is reported to be about 77%, 93% and 72%, respectively.  Thus, the project has missed the deadline for completion by April, 2022.

On intimation by GoAP regarding spilling of execution of PIP beyond April, 2022, Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) constituted a committee in November, 2021 to comprehensively examine and analyze the current construction schedule, present status of works, factual reasons for the delay and come up with an updated project schedule. The committee has submitted its report in April, 2022, and has suggested the revised target for completion of the project as June, 2024.

Some of the key reasons for delay in implementation of the project identified by the abovementioned committee include low spending capacity, inadequate construction and contract management, and lack of strategic planning and coordination of the project implementing agency, and COVID-19 pandemic. 

A number of steps for monitoring and expediting the pace of implementation of the project have been taken. PPA convenes regular meetings to review the work progress and resolve the pending issues of the project.  Additionally, Dam Design and Review Panel (DDRP) constituted for providing expert advice on dam design aspects, as well as Expert Committee constituted to supervise various activities of the project, meet frequently and provide the requisite inputs to the project authority. While the PPA has held 14 meetings so far, DDRP has met 20 times and the Expert Committee has held 7 meetings. 

Apart from the above, the project is reviewed at various levels. 

This information was given by the Minister of State, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

 

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(Release ID: 1842725)