In a major initiative, spillway works on the multi-purpose Polavaram hydel project today got under way in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

As per plans of the long pending irrigation project, after the concrete works begin, it is proposed to take up diaphragm wall works early next month. The State is keen that the decades long pending project gets completed by 2018-19. The cost of the project has spiralled up over the years.

The Chief Minister earlier this week was handed over Nabarad approved funding of Rs 1,981 crore for the project, which will be taken up as a national project. This will mean that the State will secure majority of the funding from the Centre.

Considered to be a lifeline for the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh, the project when completed will play a major role in drought proofing the State and boosting the prospects of agriculture in the agrarian economy, while also providing drinking water.

In an innovative initiative, the Naidu Government had last year commissioned the Pattiseema lift irrigation project, which evacuates water from Godavari at Polavram and diverts it to the Krishna river. The water is then used for districts served by Krishna from the Prakasham barrage near Vijayawada before the water finds its way into the sea.

The water saved at Srisailam dam is supplied to the parched district of Rayalaseema. Basically, this is about water swapping.

The project cost has shot up over the years to Rs 16,000 crore in 2011 and later estimated to be about Rs 36,000 crore.

To be fully developed, the project will have to get over a number of hurdles, including land acquisition an inter-State issues.

The State expects that the compensation under the new and acquisition norms will encourage land owners to come forward and support the project.

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