Polavaram Project: CM Naidu Targets Mid-2025 for Phase I Rehabilitation of Displaced Families

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set a target to complete the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) of Project Displaced Families (PDFs) under Phase I of the Polavaram Project at the +41 metre contour by mid-2025.

During a review meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to expedite the construction of housing colonies for displaced families while ensuring high-quality standards. Officials were directed to adhere to strict timelines for project completion, leaving no scope for errors.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu outlined the government’s plan, stating, “We aim to complete the construction of colonies by June-July next year, enabling families to relocate and receive their pending compensation.”

Currently, compensation payments to the displaced families are pending, as concerns persist that advance payments could hinder relocation efforts, a challenge observed in other large-scale projects.

In Phase I, a total of 20,946 families will be displaced at the +41 metre contour level, including 12,984 families in Eluru district and 7,962 families in Alluri Sitharama Raju district.

Highlighting the challenges, Ramanaidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for neglecting the project. “No significant progress was made on R&R colonies since 2019. Completing and renovating the existing colonies to make them livable for relocation is our immediate priority. These works are estimated to cost between Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 crore,” he said.

In addition to completing existing colonies, the State government will construct new housing colonies to accommodate displaced families.

Looking ahead to Phase II of the project at the +45.72 metre contour, an estimated 85,000 families will be displaced, bringing the total number of affected families to 1.06 lakh. The State government anticipates requiring nearly Rs 30,000 crore to implement compensation and rehabilitation measures for Phase II.

To address this, the government plans to develop a comprehensive strategy for Phase II, ensuring a smooth and effective implementation of the R&R package.