Naidu proposes operational model for Polavaram project costs

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to consider an "operation model" for the Polavaram-Banakancharla linkage project. This approach aims to manage resources efficiently and reduce costs. He held a review meeting with the Water Resources Department on Monday. Naidu set deadlines for the project. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) must be completed by June 20. The project also needs approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC) by October 20. He emphasized the importance of obtaining environmental clearances to start work quickly. The estimated cost for the Polavaram-Banakancharla linkage is ₹81,900 crore. The project will transport 2 tmcft of water each day via a 368.60 km open canal. The main tunnel will stretch 20.50 km, with twin tunnels at Siddapuram extending 6.60 km. A total of 9 lifts will be used, requiring 3,377 MW of electricity. To make the project more sustainable, Naidu suggested generating power through pump storage and solar plants in the project area. The plan involves acquiring 54,000 acres of land, including some forest land. Additionally, rehabilitation is needed for 18 residential areas across five villages. The project will be divided into three segments. The first segment will divert water from Polavaram to Pavitrasangam, requiring 1,401 acres and costing ₹13,800 crore. The second segment will channel water to the Bollapalli reservoir, utilizing 2,493 MW of electricity at a cost of ₹35,750 crore. The third segment will take water from Bollapalli to Banakancharla, costing ₹32,350 crore. Once completed, the Polavaram-Banakancharla linkage will provide irrigation to 12.4 lakh hectares. It will also resolve drinking water issues in villages along the canal while boosting groundwater levels. Officials estimate that the project will generate 430 MW of power and create economic benefits of ₹12,294 crore annually.