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Phase-1 on track; Andhra seeks Centre nod for Polavaram Phase II
On May 1, 2026, a high-level meeting in New Delhi reviewed Polavaram Phase I progress and discussed the plan for Phase II. The discussion covered Phase I achievements, rehabilitation, and the push for central approval for Phase II, along with submergence concerns and related cost disclosures from March. The event outlines specific reservoir targets, displacement figures, and next steps for land acquisition and R&R.
Why It Matters
Polavaram involves large-scale displacement and multiple states; central approval for Phase II is key to advancing the project and addressing submergence and rehabilitation issues.
Timeline
7 Events
Submergence concerns and inter-state surveys
May 1, 2026
Framings of steps to address submergence concerns raised by Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana were discussed. The Central Water Commission was directed to conduct joint surveys with these states to address objections and clarify the extent of potential submergence impacts.
Phase II DPR readiness and displacement planning
May 1, 2026
The state government stated readiness to submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase II, acknowledging the larger rehabilitation challenge. The DPR would be prepared after the Central Water Commission (CWC) survey.
Phase II displacement and R&R status
May 1, 2026
For Phase II, a total of 1,06,006 families were identified for displacement, with compensation and rehabilitation measures yet to be implemented for 67,946 families.
Phase I rehabilitation and resettlement progress
May 1, 2026
Rehabilitation and resettlement of 38,060 displaced families within the 41.15-metre contour were nearing completion and compensation was being paid.
Phase I progress updates and targets for completion
May 1, 2026
Phase I: water impounded up to a height of 41.15 metres with storage limited to 115 tmc. Diaphragm wall completed; Earth-Cum-Rock-Fill (ECRF) dam work commenced. Right main and left main canal works nearing completion. Initial target for completion was June 2027; the Chief Minister reportedly instructed the contracting agency to complete the works by March.
High-level meeting in New Delhi to review Polavaram Phase I progress and discuss Phase II
May 1, 2026
Secretary of the Union Jal Shakti ministry V L Kantha Rao chaired a meeting in New Delhi with Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad, irrigation department advisor M Venkateswara Rao, engineer-in-chief Narasimha Murthy, and senior officials from the Central Water Commission, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Polavaram Project Authority, and other agencies to review Phase I progress and discuss Phase II.
RTI reply on Polavaram project costs (March data)
March 2026
In response to an RTI query, the Union ministry of Jal Shakti indicated the cost of the Polavaram project was revised at ₹30,436.95 crore with water storage up to +41.15 metres under Phase I, including land acquisition and R&R. The note also stated that all civil works up to +45.72 metres are included in this cost; water would be impounded only up to 41.15 metres for Phase I, and Phase II would require additional expenditure for land acquisition and R&R. The revised estimate at 2017-18 rates put the total project cost at ₹47,725.74 crore, including R&R up to 45.72 metres, and noted that the state would have to submit a fresh DPR for Phase II after the CWC survey.