Image Source: Irrigationindia
About Polavaram Project,
The Polavaram Project, officially called the Indira Sagar Multipurpose Project, is one of the largest and most ambitious irrigation projects in India. Located near Polavaram village in Eluru district, about 42 km from Rajamahendravaram, it is built across the Godavari River, the second-longest river in India.
Known as the “lifeline of Andhra Pradesh”, the project is designed to provide irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, and drinking water supply to millions of people.
History and Planning
The idea of harnessing the Godavari waters at Polavaram dates back to the early 1940s under the Madras Presidency. However, due to technical and administrative delays, the project was revived multiple times post-independence. Finally, it gained momentum after the formation of Andhra Pradesh state, and later after bifurcation in 2014, it was declared a national project.
The Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) was constituted to oversee its construction, with the goal of completing this mega irrigation structure to transform the state’s agrarian economy.
Design and Engineering Features
The Polavaram Project is a multipurpose dam-cum-reservoir system with a spillway length of 1,210 meters and designed to withstand 50 lakh cusecs of flood discharge, making it one of the largest in the world in terms of capacity.
The project aims to store 194 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, which will be used for irrigation of over 7.2 lakh hectares of agricultural land across East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, and Visakhapatnam districts. It will also generate 960 MW of hydroelectric power through a powerhouse and provide drinking water to nearly 540 villages.
Benefits of the Project
The Polavaram Project is expected to change the socio-economic landscape of Andhra Pradesh. It will:
Provide assured irrigation water to drought-prone regions of Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts.
Divert 80 TMC of surplus Godavari waters to the Krishna basin through a Right Main Canal, stabilizing irrigation in Krishna delta.
Supply drinking water to 25 lakh people across multiple districts.
Generate hydroelectric power, contributing to energy security.
Control annual floods in the Godavari region, especially in East and West Godavari districts.
Challenges and Environmental Aspects
While the project is a boon, it has also faced challenges. The creation of the massive Polavaram Reservoir led to submergence of tribal villages in East Godavari, West Godavari, and parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. This required large-scale rehabilitation and resettlement programs for displaced families.
Environmental activists have also raised concerns about biodiversity loss, forest submergence, and cultural heritage sites being affected. The government, however, has taken steps for compensation, resettlement, and environmental safeguards to balance development with sustainability.
Tourism and Site Visits
The Polavaram Project Site itself has become a major attraction for locals and tourists interested in engineering marvels. Visitors can witness the massive spillway gates, canals, and powerhouse construction.
The sight of the Godavari River expanding into a vast reservoir is breathtaking, especially during monsoons. The nearby town of Rajamahendravaram serves as the main hub for visitors, offering access to attractions like the Dowleswaram Barrage, ISKCON Temple, and Papikondalu boat rides.
How to Reach Polavaram Project Site
By Road: Polavaram is about 42 km from Rajamahendravaram and can be reached by APSRTC buses, cabs, and private vehicles.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rajahmundry Railway Station, a major junction on the Howrah–Chennai route.
By Air: The closest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (50 km), connected to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru.