Polavaram Project to be Completed by March 2027: Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the ambitious Polavaram Multi-Purpose Irrigation Project, often referred to as the state's "lifeline," will be fully completed and dedicated to the nation by March 2027.
After conducting a detailed on-site inspection of the project works on Monday, the Chief Minister held a comprehensive review meeting with officials and addressed the media. He declared that water from the Godavari River would be released through the Left Main Canal to Anakapalle on August 14, 2026 — one day before Independence Day — marking a historic milestone. Naidu said he would personally perform Jalahaarati to welcome the Godavari waters.
Strong Criticism of Previous Government
Naidu launched a sharp attack on the previous YSRCP government, accusing it of deliberate neglect and political vendetta against the project. He stated that when his government handed over charge in 2019, the project had achieved 72% progress. However, only 2% additional work was completed in the subsequent five years.
He highlighted several issues, including frequent changes of agencies, ignoring PPA recommendations, and leaving gaps in the Upper Coffer Dam, which led to the collapse of a ₹440 crore diaphragm wall during floods. The current government is now constructing a parallel diaphragm wall at an additional cost of ₹990 crore on a war footing.
Recalling the crisis, Naidu said, “There were days when I couldn’t sleep after the diaphragm wall was damaged. I was deeply worried about the future of the state’s lifeline. With the blessings of God and the support of the Central Government, the project is back on track.”
Progress Under Current Regime
The Chief Minister informed that in the last two years, the government has accelerated works and completed an additional 15% progress, taking the overall project achievement to 89%. So far, ₹7,100 crore has been spent, with another ₹3,835 crore expected from the Centre.
Key components such as the Spillway, Radial Gates, and Coffer Dam have been completed. The gates are designed to handle floods up to 50 lakh cusecs. Works on the ECRF Dam are progressing rapidly, with Gap-1 at 48% and Gap-2 at 30% completion. Land acquisition has reached 94,152 acres and is expected to be 100% complete by October 26.
Focus on Rehabilitation
Naidu assured full support to Project Displaced Persons (PDPs), stating that doing justice to their sacrifices is his moral responsibility. Around 17,500 families have been shifted so far, and the entire rehabilitation process will be completed by March 2027. Construction of 17,118 houses has been completed. Additional financial assistance of ₹2 lakh is being provided to those constructing their own houses or purchasing plots.
Broader Irrigation Vision
Alongside Polavaram, the government is focusing on other irrigation projects. Naidu announced that the Sujala Sravanthi project will resolve Visakhapatnam’s drinking water issues within a year, followed by integration with the Vamsadhara project. The first tunnel of the Velugonda project in Prakasam district will be completed, with inauguration scheduled for September 1.
He added that 36 pending irrigation projects across the state will be completed in the next three years with clear timelines. “Our goal is to see happiness in the eyes of farmers,” Naidu emphasized. The government will henceforth update the public on project progress every month.
After conducting a detailed on-site inspection of the project works on Monday, the Chief Minister held a comprehensive review meeting with officials and addressed the media. He declared that water from the Godavari River would be released through the Left Main Canal to Anakapalle on August 14, 2026 — one day before Independence Day — marking a historic milestone. Naidu said he would personally perform Jalahaarati to welcome the Godavari waters.
Strong Criticism of Previous Government
Naidu launched a sharp attack on the previous YSRCP government, accusing it of deliberate neglect and political vendetta against the project. He stated that when his government handed over charge in 2019, the project had achieved 72% progress. However, only 2% additional work was completed in the subsequent five years.
He highlighted several issues, including frequent changes of agencies, ignoring PPA recommendations, and leaving gaps in the Upper Coffer Dam, which led to the collapse of a ₹440 crore diaphragm wall during floods. The current government is now constructing a parallel diaphragm wall at an additional cost of ₹990 crore on a war footing.
Recalling the crisis, Naidu said, “There were days when I couldn’t sleep after the diaphragm wall was damaged. I was deeply worried about the future of the state’s lifeline. With the blessings of God and the support of the Central Government, the project is back on track.”
Progress Under Current Regime
The Chief Minister informed that in the last two years, the government has accelerated works and completed an additional 15% progress, taking the overall project achievement to 89%. So far, ₹7,100 crore has been spent, with another ₹3,835 crore expected from the Centre.
Key components such as the Spillway, Radial Gates, and Coffer Dam have been completed. The gates are designed to handle floods up to 50 lakh cusecs. Works on the ECRF Dam are progressing rapidly, with Gap-1 at 48% and Gap-2 at 30% completion. Land acquisition has reached 94,152 acres and is expected to be 100% complete by October 26.
Focus on Rehabilitation
Naidu assured full support to Project Displaced Persons (PDPs), stating that doing justice to their sacrifices is his moral responsibility. Around 17,500 families have been shifted so far, and the entire rehabilitation process will be completed by March 2027. Construction of 17,118 houses has been completed. Additional financial assistance of ₹2 lakh is being provided to those constructing their own houses or purchasing plots.
Broader Irrigation Vision
Alongside Polavaram, the government is focusing on other irrigation projects. Naidu announced that the Sujala Sravanthi project will resolve Visakhapatnam’s drinking water issues within a year, followed by integration with the Vamsadhara project. The first tunnel of the Velugonda project in Prakasam district will be completed, with inauguration scheduled for September 1.
He added that 36 pending irrigation projects across the state will be completed in the next three years with clear timelines. “Our goal is to see happiness in the eyes of farmers,” Naidu emphasized. The government will henceforth update the public on project progress every month.
