Important facts about the Polavaram Project

The Polavaram Project is a major multipurpose irrigation and hydroelectric project located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the Godavari River near the village of Polavaram in the West Godavari and East Godavari districts. The project’s main objective is to provide irrigation water to drought-prone areas, generate hydroelectric power, and mitigate floods in the region.

Here are some key features and aspects of the Polavaram Project:

Irrigation: The project aims to irrigate about 2.91 lakh hectares (7.18 lakh acres) of land in Andhra Pradesh. It involves the construction of a dam across the Godavari River, which creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of around 194 thousand million cubic feet (TMC).

Hydroelectric Power Generation: The Polavaram Project includes the construction of a powerhouse with an installed capacity of 960 megawatts (MW). The power generated from the project will contribute to the energy needs of the state.

Flood Control: The dam built as part of the project helps regulate the flow of the Godavari River, which is known for its seasonal floods. By controlling the river’s flow, the project aims to mitigate the impact of floods in the downstream areas.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation: The construction of the Polavaram Project involves the displacement of a significant number of people residing in the project-affected areas. Therefore, a comprehensive plan for resettlement and rehabilitation has been developed to ensure the affected families are properly compensated and rehabilitated.

National Project: The Polavaram Project has been declared a “national project” by the Government of India. As a national project, it receives financial and technical support from the central government.

The Polavaram Project is considered one of the largest irrigation projects in India. It has the potential to bring significant benefits to the region, including improved agricultural productivity, increased water availability, and electricity generation.

The project has been in various stages of planning, design, and construction for several years and is expected to have a transformative impact on the economy and livelihoods of the people in the state.