No compromise on Polavaram quality, works strictly in according to PoE, CWC clearances: ENC Murthy

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that the Polavaram project works are being executed strictly in accordance with approved technical parameters, Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) Narasimha Murthy has strongly refuted allegations regarding the quality and design compliance of the He emphasised that every structural component — including spillway works, earth-cum-rock fill dam sections, the diaphragm wall, and approach channels — is being executed based on vetted drawings and technical clearances. “The Polavaram project is being constructed strictly in line with the designs approved by the Panel of Experts and the Central Water Commission. There is absolutely no deviation from the approved specifications,” the ENC said. Addressing concerns flagged earlier by the PoE, Narasimha Murthy said all lapses pointed out during inspections were promptly attended to. “The observations made by the Panel of Experts were carefully examined and necessary rectification measures were carried out immediately.

The panel has reviewed the corrective steps and expressed its satisfaction,” he stated. He refuted allegations of quality lapses, unauthorised changes and incomplete works, citing technical evaluations from bodies such as IIT Tirupati, the PoE, the CWC and the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). He said the diaphragm wall construction was handled by Bauer, a globally renowned firm. Initial concrete bleeding issues were identified and resolved through studies conducted by IIT Tirupati, followed by remedial measures coordinated with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA).

The PoE reviewed and approved these corrective steps and recommended core sample tests from the affected panels. The results, submitted during the PoE’s recent visit, confirmed adherence to standards, with the panel expressing satisfaction. Regarding allegations of an unauthorised reduction in the diaphragm wall height, he clarified that design agency AFRY had proposed a three-metre embedment into the core, which was approved by the PoE.

Accordingly, the wall’s top level was adjusted to EL +18.50 metres. Core samples taken at every 50 metres during trimming were found satisfactory and have been preserved on site. He said the change was in line with approved design specifications and was not intended to conceal any defects, as alleged. He further said that model studies conducted by the CWPRS recommended a 500-metre rockfill bund on the left side of the spillway, which was completed by April 2023 in accordance with CWC-approved designs for the guide bund.

A slippage occurred on June 3, 2023, during approach channel excavation, prompting immediate stabilisation measures approved by the CWC. No further issues have been reported since 2023. He added that a 2.3-km channel at EL +17.0 m bed level is planned to ensure safe flood passage, and about 75% of the work has been completed. He also said that the original 23-metre core construction was revised to 24 metres for Gap I, considering deep soil mixing in the ECRF dam.