CM aims to complete R&R for Polavaram Phase-I in six months

Govt to pay compensation after relocation of 20,946 displaced families under Phase-I & take up pending works in R&R colonies with around ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 cr

- S GURU SRIKANTH @Vijayawada

CHIEF Minister N Chandrababu Naidu aims to complete the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) of Project Displaced Families (PDFs) of the Polavaram Project at Contour +41 metres (Phase I) by mid-2025.

He chaired a review meeting on the progress of the Polavaram project construction on Monday. During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed the implementation of the R&R package for the Polavaram PDFs.

Following the establishment of timelines for various aspects of project construction, officials were directed to expedite the construction of housing colonies for the displaced families and to complete the works to high standards, leaving no room for error.

"We want to complete the construction of colonies by June-July next year, so that the displaced families are able to relocate there. Once relocated, the State government can pay their due compensation," Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said.

The State government is yet to pay compensation to the displaced families. This delay is likely due to concerns that advance payments might hinder relocation efforts, as has been the case in other similar large-scale projects. There are a total of 20,946 displaced families at the +41 metre contour level of the project, which is the first phase of the Polavaram project. Of the total, 12,984 are in mandals of the Eluru district and 7,962 are in mandals of Alluri Sitharama Raju district.