Godavari Floods Raise Water Levels at Polavaram Project, Disrupt Construction Work
Heavy inflows into the Godavari River following intense rainfall in Maharashtra have significantly increased water levels at the Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh, disrupting ongoing construction activity and prompting authorities to step up flood management measures. The surge marks the first major flood event of the current monsoon season at the project, with officials closely monitoring conditions as inflows continue to rise.
According to project authorities, the water level at the Polavaram spillway reached 26.69 metres, while the upstream cofferdam recorded a level of 26.80 metres. The continuous inflow of floodwater from upstream has led to a sharp rise in river discharge, requiring the operation of all 48 spillway gates to release excess water downstream.
This is the first time during the current flood season that all 48 spillway gates have been lifted simultaneously. Officials have remained on alert as water levels continue to increase due to sustained rainfall across upstream catchment areas.
Floodwaters Damage Temporary Infrastructure
The strong current flowing through the spill channel has affected temporary infrastructure supporting construction activities at the project site. A temporary earthen access road built to transport materials and personnel was completely washed away by the floodwaters.
In addition, large iron culverts and iron pipes installed to facilitate water flow were swept away during the flooding. The damage has interrupted access to work areas located beneath the spill channel, bringing movement through that route to a standstill.
At present, the only available access to the affected section of the project is via the road running over the spillway. The disruption is expected to affect ongoing work on the earth-cum-rockfill dam, one of the major components of the Polavaram Project.
Project authorities have also initiated de-watering operations on a priority basis to remove seepage and accumulated water from construction zones in an effort to minimise delays and protect ongoing works.
Government Reviews Project Progress
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu conducted an inspection of the Polavaram Project works in Eluru district and reviewed construction progress with project officials.
Following the inspection, the minister reiterated the state government's commitment to completing the Polavaram Project by 2027. He said the government intends to dedicate the completed project to the nation through the Prime Minister.
Ramanaidu stated that the present coalition government had accelerated construction after taking office. He criticised the previous YSRCP administration, alleging that the project had suffered setbacks during its tenure.
According to the minister, the previous government completed only 2% of the project work over five years, while the current coalition government has completed 15% of the work during its first two years in office.
Progress on Major Construction Components
The minister said a new diaphragm wall was constructed within 440 days at a cost of Rs. 990 crore after the earlier diaphragm wall was damaged. He described the new structure as a key milestone in restoring progress on the nationally significant irrigation project.
He also provided updates on other construction activities, stating that work on the main dam's Gap-1 section has reached 48% completion, while Gap-2 has achieved 29% completion within the past year.
Ramanaidu attributed the pace of work to continuous monitoring by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and said repeated engagements with the Union government had helped secure funding more quickly for the project.
Rehabilitation Remains a Key Objective
Alongside engineering works, the government is continuing rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) activities associated with the project. The minister said the target is to complete the first phase of the rehabilitation programme in full by the time the Polavaram Project is completed in 2027.
The Polavaram Project is one of Andhra Pradesh's largest multipurpose irrigation and water infrastructure projects. Besides irrigation, it is intended to support drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation and flood management across parts of the state.
While construction continues, the ongoing monsoon season is expected to remain a critical period for project authorities as they balance flood management with infrastructure development amid rising inflows into the Godavari River.