No compromise on quality, speed in Polavaram project works: Union secretary

Vijayawada: Union Jal Shakti secretary V L Kantharao has stressed that there should be no compromise on either quality or speed in executing works at the Polavaram Project. He said that every moment is crucial for completing the national project on schedule. The Union secretary visited the Polavaram project on Wednesday and reviewed ongoing works. Emphasising timely execution, Kantharao urged officials to utilise time effectively and adhere to targets, warning that even minor delays could impact the overall completion schedule. In view of the chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's announcement to complete the project by June 2027, he sought details of the action plan prepared to meet the deadline.Kantharao expressed satisfaction over the progress so far, noting that the works are proceeding as per schedule. He advised officials and contractors to set daily targets and ensure their completion without fail. Assuring full support from the Centre, he said all necessary approvals, including design clearances, would be expedited. He noted that earlier coordination issues due to the PPA office being located in Hyderabad should now be resolved following its shift to Rajamahendravaram and called for regular coordination meetings. He also announced that a comprehensive review involving all central and state departments would be held soon. AP engineer-in-chief K Narasimha Murthy gave a detailed presentation on project progress, including rehabilitation and resettlement and land acquisition.Kantharao inspected key components such as the buttress dam, diaphragm wall (gap-1 and gap-2), D-Hill and G-Hill, and reviewed their timelines. He also visited the Polavaram hydroelectric project, where officials said all generating units are expected to be completed by Jan 2028.