AP to constitute committee to expedite Polavaram project.

The Andhra Pradesh Government has set out on a major task of completion of the multi-purpose Polavaram project by 2018, which is seen to play a big role in the development of the state.

State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the progress of the project, has constituted a high-powered committee to closely monitor the progress of the project, which would help several districts in the state and also help divert water from Godavari river to Krishna and help the delta region. The state Chief Secretary would head the committee and have principal secretary of irrigation, energy and finance departments to facilitate the implementation of the project.

The State Government expects that the forest department clearance, which is necessary to take the project forward, is likely to be received by the State soon. Therefore, the state is keen to complete the land acquisition for the project, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the irrigation department to prepare reports to enable them to construct projects in the drought-prone Rayalaseema and North Andhra to cater to irrigation and drinking water requirements.

The Chief Minister wanted the project works to be expedited and completed by 2018 as it would have a great bearing on the State move to make it drought-proof. The project, when completed, would be able to tap the water that goes into the sea without being utilised. It is estimated that about 2000 tmc of water from Godavari river flows into the sea untapped.

The State Government is keen that most of the ongoing irrigation projects be completed within four years. Every year, in the first six months, the State will focus on water management and the later six months on project management.

HBL