Centre Orders Immediate Shift of Polavaram Project Authority Office!

Twelve years after the formation of the Polavaram Project Authority, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued orders to immediately shift its office from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaram. In a letter addressed to the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Secretary B.L. Meena directed that all divisions, including the Chief Engineer and design wing, be relocated without delay. The move comes ahead of the proposed visit of Union Jal Shakti Secretary Kantarao to the Polavaram Project on the 27th of this month. An office building has already been taken on rent at Bommuru near Rajamahendravaram at a monthly rent of ₹3 lakh. While Chief Engineer Ramesh Kumar is already functioning from Rajamahendravaram, the latest directive ensures that all remaining departments will also shift operations to the project vicinity.

Rajamahendravaram’s proximity to the project site is expected to enhance coordination, especially as the Detailed Project Report for Phase II needs to be prepared. The project has been divided into two phases, with the Centre currently funding works up to a water storage level of +41.15 metres. Based on the performance and benefits achieved in Phase I, funds for rehabilitation and storage up to +45.72 metres in Phase II will be considered. Coordination between the State Water Resources Department and the Authority will be crucial in preparing DPRs and executing distributaries and minor canals on both right and left main canals. Meanwhile, the relocation of the Krishna River Management Board to Andhra Pradesh remains pending, as the Board has sought free accommodation in Vijayawada. At present, it continues to function from Jalasoudha in Hyderabad.