Polavaram Diaphragm Wall Nears Completion, Naidu Distributes Compensation
In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh's infrastructure, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared on Wednesday that the reconstruction of the diaphragm wall at the Polavaram project will be finalized within the next seven days. He emphasized that construction activities at the site are advancing rapidly, marking a critical milestone for the state's flagship irrigation initiative.
Compensation Disbursement and Project Progress
During the Ugadi festival, Naidu engaged with families displaced by the Polavaram project and distributed cheques totaling Rs 226.61 crore as the third instalment of compensation. He lauded the displaced families for their sacrifices, describing Polavaram as the "lifeline of Andhra Pradesh" and highlighting its potential to benefit the entire state through river interlinking upon completion.
Naidu attributed the damage to the original diaphragm wall to negligence under the previous government. In response, the NDA government consulted experts and initiated the construction of a new diaphragm wall at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Over the past 21 months, works have been accelerated, with Naidu expressing confidence that the project will be fully completed within two months after Ugadi next year.
Accelerated Compensation and Rehabilitation Efforts
The Chief Minister noted that compensation payments gained momentum only after the coalition government took office. He recalled that Rs 800 crore was released during Sankranti in January 2025 as the first instalment, followed by Rs 916 crore during Diwali as the second instalment. With the latest release of Rs 226.6 crore, a cumulative total of Rs 1,943 crore has been disbursed to 26,149 displaced persons over the last 21 months.
Under the first phase of rehabilitation, steps have been taken to relocate 38,068 displaced persons. Of the 75 planned rehabilitation colonies, 26 have been completed, and construction is ongoing for the remaining 49. Additionally, colonies are being developed for 17,114 displaced persons identified in 2022, with rehabilitation targeted for completion by April 2027.
Naidu estimated that approximately Rs 3,500 crore more is required for rehabilitation efforts. He detailed that each displaced family is receiving Rs 3.5 lakh for house construction, while assistance for house sites has been increased to Rs 2 lakh, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting affected communities.
