Polavaram project progressing as per established engineering standards, asserts government

The Water Resources Department has dismissed the comments made by the Center for Liberty regarding quality and alleged unauthorised design changes in the Polavaram irrigation project.

The department, in a press release, said that the Diaphragm Wall (D-Wall) was constructed by an internationally reputed firm, BAUER Group. Though concrete bleeding had been noticed during the early stages of construction, remedial measures suggested by IIT-Tirupati were implemented. Subsequent core sample tests confirmed that the concrete quality met the required standards, and this was verified by the Panel of Experts in January 2026, the release said.

On the issue of height adjustments, the department explained that the D-Wall top level was revised to 18.50 metres based on designs prepared by the AFRY to ensure a three-metre embedment into the core. It emphasised that the modification was a technical engineering decision and not an attempt to conceal defective work.

On the guide bund and approach channel, the department acknowledged that sliding had occurred in June 2023, but stated that immediate stabilisation measures were undertaken with the approval of the Central Water Commission, and no further movement had since been recorded. Approximately 75% of the 2.3-kilometre approach channel excavation had been completed, the release said.

Addressing a discrepancy in previously presented figures, the department clarified that while an earlier presentation had mistakenly mentioned 5.0 lakh cubic metres of pending earthwork, the correct remaining quantity was approximately 38.55 lakh cubic metres.

Regarding Gap-I, the construction level was revised from 23 metres to 24 metres to account for Deep Soil Mixing ground improvement works already carried out at the site.

The department reiterated that all design changes were made following due technical review and expert consultation, and maintained that the project was progressing in line with established engineering standards.