Will Chandrababu Naidu Complete Polavaram Before the Godavari Pushkaram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Polavaram project is a key infrastructure initiative.
- Completion is targeted before Godavari Pushkarams 2027.
- Quality assurance is a major focus.
- Tourism development is also a priority for the project area.
- The project supports local agricultural and economic growth.
Amaravati, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has called on officials to accelerate the progress of the Polavaram project to ensure it is finished ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams.
During a review meeting at the Secretariat, he urged the team to obtain all necessary approvals from the Central Water Commission and the Union Water Resources Department. He made it clear that there should be no compromises regarding the quality of the construction.
Officials reported that out of the total 63,656 cubic meters of diaphragm wall work, 37,302 cubic meters have been completed, and the buttress dam work has reached 100% completion.
The Chief Minister instructed that work on the earth-cum-rockfill portion of the main dam should initiate in November and be wrapped up by December 2027. Furthermore, the projects related to the Polavaram right canal tunnel, approach channel, head regulator, and irrigation tunnels must adhere to their timelines.
He emphasized that completion of the Polavaram left main canal works by January 2026 is critical for ensuring water supply to Anakapalli. He also highlighted the need for prompt land acquisition and rehabilitation efforts.
Additionally, he proposed that the Polavaram site be developed into a significant tourist attraction, suggesting the construction of an iconic roadway connecting the project to the national highway.
He further mentioned that the Akhanda Godavari project should be centered in Rajahmundry, and directed the integration of the Polavaram project with the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) for monitoring progress through CC cameras.
High-ranking officials including Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, and Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu were present at the meeting.
The Godavari Pushkaram is set to take place in 2027.
Recently, the Telangana government made plans to request a special package from the central government for this event, which starts on July 23, 2027.
Considering the anticipated large influx of pilgrims for this Southern Kumbh Mela, the Telangana government will propose a special funding package to the Union Government.
The Godavari River flows approximately 560 km through Telangana, where the state government aims to establish around 74 ghats for the Pushkaram.