International experts satisfied with Polavaram dam works
In Short
An international expert panel reviewed the Polavaram ECRF dam construction, confirming work aligns with approved designs, quality standards, and instrumentation data.
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International experts with the officials at Polavaram project at Polavaram on Thursday
Polavaram: An international panel of experts reviewing the construction of the Earth-cum-Rock Fill (ECRF) dam at the Polavaram irrigation project has expressed satisfaction with the progress of works, stating that construction was proceeding according to designs approved by the Central Government and instrumentation data showed no deviations from prescribed parameters.
The experts — Richard Donnelly, Gianfranco Di Cicco, Sean Hinchberger and David Paul — held an extensive review meeting with officials of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Department and construction agency Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) on Thursday. The meeting, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., was chaired by Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Vohra.
Representatives of AFRY presented details of the project designs. Officials explained that construction activities were being carried out in accordance with approved designs and that materials used in various structures were being tested to ensure compliance with prescribed quality standards.
The panel examined records from instruments installed to monitor the ECRF dam’s construction and assess its performance against design parameters. State Water Resources Department officials presented the recorded instrumentation data, which showed no deviations from the stipulated parameters. The experts expressed satisfaction with the findings. The panel also reviewed grouting operations under way at G Hill and G-Dash Hill and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works.
Officials briefed the experts on the action taken on suggestions and recommendations made during their visit to the project in May. The panel was satisfied with the explanations provided and the follow-up measures implemented by the project authorities.
The review meeting followed a field inspection on Wednesday, during which the international experts visited various components of the Polavaram project to assess construction progress. Following Thursday’s deliberations, officials of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti also briefly inspected the ongoing works.
Those present included CWC Designs Chief Engineer Sarabjit Singh Bakshi, PPA Member Secretary M. Raghuram, Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Department adviser M. Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief K. Narasimhamurthy and Chief Engineer K. Seshubabu. MEIL was represented by General Manager A.V. Gangadharkumar, Deputy General Manager Murali Pammi and other officials.
