Experts from USA and Canada to Assess Damages at Polavaram Project

A team of irrigation experts from the USA and Canada have been called in by the Central government to assess the damages caused to the Polavaram major irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh. The project, located on the Godavari river, has been facing extensive issues, prompting the need for international expertise.

The experts, including David B Paul, Gias Franco de Cisco, Richard Donnelly, and Seas Hinsberger, will be examining various aspects of the project such as dam management, security, civil engineering, and hydraulic structures. Their findings will be crucial in suggesting remedial measures to address the challenges faced by the project.

Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation minister, Nimmala Rama Naidu, highlighted the importance of the experts’ visit, stating that they will provide guidance to the local engineers and help overcome technical problems in the project execution. The team will be visiting the project site regularly until its completion to ensure smooth progress.

The decision to bring in international experts comes after Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu raised concerns about the structural deficiencies in the project works. Naidu pointed out that changes in contractors and workers had disrupted the progress of the project, leading to damages during the 2020 floods.

The Polavaram project, with its multi-purpose objectives including irrigation potential, hydro power generation, and water supply, is a crucial infrastructure project for the region. The assessment and recommendations provided by the international experts will play a significant role in ensuring the successful completion of the project and addressing the challenges it currently faces.