A view of the Polavaram Irrigation Project. | Photo Credit: Photo File
The Water Resources Department has rejected the Freedom Center’s comments regarding quality and alleged unauthorized design changes in the Polavaram irrigation project.
The department said in a press release that the membrane wall (D-Wall) was built by the internationally recognized BAUER Group. Although bleeding of concrete was noticed during the early stages of construction, remedial measures suggested by IIT-Tirupati were implemented. Subsequent tests of core samples confirmed that the quality of the concrete met the required standards and this was verified by a panel of experts in January 2026, the report said.
On the issue of height adjustments, the department explained that the top level of wall D has been revised to 18.50 meters based on the designs prepared by AFRY to ensure a three meter embedment into the core. She emphasized that the modification was a technical engineering decision and not an attempt to cover up defective work.
At the guide rail and approach channel, the ministry acknowledged that the landslide had occurred in June 2023, but said immediate stabilization measures had been taken with the approval of the Central Water Commission and no further movement had been recorded since then. About 75% of excavation of the 2.3 kilometer approach channel has been completed, the report said.
In response to discrepancies in previously presented numbers, the department clarified that while the earlier presentation erroneously stated 5.0 million cubic meters of pending earthwork, the correct amount remaining was approximately 38.55 million cubic meters.
As for Gap-I, the construction level has been revised from 23 meters to 24 meters to take into account the Deep Soil Mixing work already carried out at the site.
The department reiterated that all changes to the design were made after proper technical review and expert consultation, and claimed that the project was progressing in accordance with established engineering norms.
Published – March 3, 2026 7:01 PM IST
