The Central Water Commission (CWC) team visited the construction site of the Polavaram project. A team comprising CWC member Yogesh Paithankar, Chief Engineer HS Sengar, and Polavaram Project Authority Chief Engineer Ramesh Kumar visited the project. They examined the project model in the model room.
Later, they inspected the construction works of the buttress dam, diaphragm wall, Gap 1, upper and lower copper dams, spillway areas, and concrete mixing labs being constructed to prevent seepage during the construction of the project. CE K. Narasimha Murthy, SE Ramachandra Reddy, EEs Balakrishna, and Srinivas informed the CWC team about the relevant details.
The central team instructed the officials to ensure that the project work is carried out expeditiously as per the specified target. The project officials explained to the central team that the central and state governments are working in coordination.
“How is the diaphragm wall construction work progressing? To what extent are the quality standards being followed? Are the designs approved by the international expert panel and the plastic concrete mixture being used correctly?” The team examined various issues at a detailed level.
In this context, it is learned that the CWC representatives questioned the engineering officials, saying, ‘Can the diaphragm wall be completed by December?’ “The work is progressing rapidly this month. No obstacles have been encountered. A clear assessment of the completion of the work will be made based on the target achieved by the end of the month,” the engineers replied.
“There is no obstacle to the construction at present. But what if there is a flood in the future?” The CWC team expressed doubts. “We have taken steps to ensure that the diaphragm wall construction work does not face any obstacles even if there is a flood, and to withstand a flood at a height of 19 meters” engineers explained.
“We have taken steps to ensure that the work continues smoothly even if it reaches 20 to 22 meters. The diaphragm wall construction work will be completed in key areas in a few days. Even if a little work remains at the end, it will not be a major hindrance. Although the Godavari flood flow has increased since July, it will decrease by the end of October”, they added.