Polavaram Project Adheres to Approved Technical Parameters, Says ENC Murthy
In Vijayawada, the engineer-in-chief (ENC) of the water resources department, Narasimha Murthy, has firmly asserted that the Polavaram project works are being executed strictly in line with approved technical parameters. This statement comes as a direct refutation of recent allegations concerning quality and design compliance, with Murthy emphasizing that the project follows designs vetted by the Panel of Experts (PoE) and the Central Water Commission (CWC), India's apex technical body for water resources.
Structural Components and Compliance Details
Murthy explained that every structural component of the Polavaram project, including spillway works, earth-cum-rock fill dam sections, diaphragm wall, and approach channels, is being executed based on approved drawings and clearances. He stated, "There is absolutely no deviation from the approved specifications." All issues flagged by the PoE during inspections were promptly rectified and reviewed to the panel's satisfaction, countering allegations of lapses, unauthorized changes, or incomplete works with technical evaluations from institutions like IIT Tirupati, PoE, CWC, and the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS).
Specific Technical Resolutions and Progress Updates
Regarding the diaphragm wall construction, handled by the global firm Bauer, initial concrete bleeding issues were resolved through studies conducted by IIT Tirupati and approved by the PoE. Murthy clarified that claims of unauthorized reduction in diaphragm wall height were addressed by noting that AFRY, the design agency, proposed a 3-meter embedment into the core, which was approved by the PoE. The wall's top was adjusted to EL +18.50 meters, with cores taken every 50 meters confirming compliance.
Additionally, CWPRS model studies recommended a 500-meter rockfill bund on the spillway's left side, which was completed in April 2023. A slippage during approach channel excavation in June 2023 was stabilized with measures approved by the CWC. About 75% of the planned 2.3-kilometer channel at EL +17.0 meters bed level is now complete. Murthy also mentioned that the original 23-meter core construction was revised to 24 meters for Gap I, considering deep soil mixing in the earth-cum-rock fill dam.
This comprehensive update underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure the Polavaram project meets all technical standards and regulatory approvals, with Murthy's statements aimed at reassuring stakeholders about the project's integrity and progress.
