MEIL’s sub-contract to Bauer Group to construct Polavaram project diaphragm wall done with CWC approval: Minister

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu inspecting the ongoing works of Left Main Canal of Polavaram irrigation project, at Annavaram in Kakinada district, back in April. | Photo Credit: File photo

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu on Monday announced that the Central Water Commission (CWC) has approved the sub-contract given to Germany’s Bauer Group by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) for the construction of a new diaphragm wall of the Polavaram irrigation project in Eluru district. 

The diaphragm wall is being built after it collapsed during the Godavari floods in 2021, as recommended by the experts and the CWS.

Speaking at a press conference, here on Monday, Mr. Rama Naidu stated; “The MEIL group has agreed to construct the new diaphragm wall with the 2022-23 prices. Later, it has entrusted the work to the Bauer group only after the CWC approved the sub-contract proposal.” 

Delay

Reacting to YSR Congress party’s (YSRCP) concerns on the sub-contract for the diaphragm wall component, Mr. Rama Naidu said, “The entire Polavaram irrigation project construction schedule has been delayed for 17 months due to the reverse tendering method adopted by former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Now, the construction activity has been resumed to speed up the project.”

On the status of Left Main Canal (LMC) works of the Polavaram irrigation project, Mr. Rama Naidu alleged that the complete LMC works had been stopped during 2019-24 period as Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy halted the canal works. 

LMC works

“We have committed to complete the LMC works by December 2027 to provide Godavari water to Visakhapatnam city for industrial needs and North Andhra region. The LMC works worth ₹1,200 crore are in full swing,” said Mr. Rama Naidu.

On the Polavaram project Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) component, Mr. Rama Naidu announced that an action plan was being prepared to complete construction of 38,000 houses in the R&R colonies in the first phase.

Published - June 09, 2025 08:49 pm IST