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Home / IAS Preparation / The Polavaram Dam Project

The Polavaram Dam Project: Key Features, Impact & Benefit| UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Jan 09, 2025
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The Polavaram Dam Project is perhaps one of India's most controversial and ambitious projects. It includes irrigation, supply of drinking water, and power benefits for the inhabitants of Andhra Pradesh. When it comes to UPSC aspirants, gaining knowledge about the Polavaram Dam Project UPSC is a mandate. The fact that it spans over national scales and has strong regional implications will make it nationally important. It is a multipurpose dam on the Godavari River in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. This article will explore the key aspects of the Polavaram Dam Project, including its construction, costs, benefits, and the challenges it faces.

The Polavaram Dam Project is an important topic in General Studies Paper I of the UPSC Mains. It focuses on water resource management, flood control, and interlinking of rivers. The topic explores its role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, and addressing challenges like displacement, environmental impact, and regional water disputes.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Geographical location, Riverine ecosystem, National Waterways

Topics for UPSC Mains

Inter-state disputes, Environmental challenges, Water resources management

What Is the Polavaram Dam Project?

The Polavaram Dam Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh. It seeks to exploit the water potential of the Godavari River. The project provides irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. Its construction marks a step forward in improving water resource management in India.

Purpose of the Polavaram Project Dam

The Polavaram Project Dam has multiple uses. It irrigates thousands of hectares of land and provides water to dry areas. It also produces hydroelectric power and prevents floods in the neighboring areas.

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Polavaram Dam History

The concept of the Polavaram Dam Project came into existence during the early 20th century. Sir Arthur Thomas, a British engineer, was the first person to suggest that the water scarcity in the region be addressed. The project did not get pace until the 1980s. It plans to irrigate the drought-stricken regions in Andhra Pradesh and aims for large areas for agricultural lands together with generating a source of electricity from the use of water hydropower in it. So, millions and millions of human lives would significantly change as of now by this giant dam project Polavaram dam.

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Key Features of the Polavaram Dam Project

The Polavaram Dam Project has some special features. It provides irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Its ECRF dam is broad and robust. The project enhances water management in Andhra Pradesh.

Main Dam of Polavaram Project

The main dam of the Polavaram project is the heart of the entire initiative. It will be a concrete gravity dam, standing tall over the Godavari River. It will have a height of 45 meters and a length of 1,320 meters. Along with this, the construction will facilitate the building up of a reservoir to store about 80 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic) feet of water. All this will consequently be used for irrigation and drinking purposes in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Polavaram Dam Project will also act as a source of flood control and minimize the impact of floods on the areas around it.

Polavaram Dam Project ECRF Dam Width

ECRF (Earth-Cum-Rock Fill) is one of the most vital parts of the Polavaram Dam Project. The Polavaram Dam Project ECRF dam width will be 650 meters. This earth-cum-rock fill dam will be used for the additional support to the main structure of the dam and enhancing its stability as well. The ECRF dam is a vital component of the project, which ensures the long-term sustainability of the dam and the safety of the surrounding areas. Its construction involves the use of local materials, which helps reduce costs and ensures that the dam can withstand the forces of nature over time.

Irrigation and Power Generation

The Polavaram Dam Project will irrigate more than 7.2 lakh acres of agricultural land in the region. This will increase agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the area. In addition, the project includes a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 960 MW. This power generation facility will help meet the growing electricity demand in the state. The Polavaram project dam will play a significant role in improving the infrastructural part of the region and contribute to its overall development.

The Cost of the Polavaram Dam Project

Polavaram Dam Project cost is one of the issues that have been debated for many years. Initially, the project was estimated at ₹16,000 crores. However, due to delays and inflation, the cost has risen significantly. The total cost is estimated as of now to be around ₹55,000 crore. The issue of rising costs has become a matter of threat to the financial viability of the project. However, the central government is already agreed to bear a considerable portion of its cost, considering the national importance of the project. The state of Andhra Pradesh has promised to fund a part of the project. The cost of the project comprises the expenses that are incurred during land acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of all the components, including the main dam, spillway, and power stations.

Read upsc notes on Interlinking of Rivers for preparation!

Environmental and Social Impact of the Polavaram Dam

The Polavaram Dam affects both the environment and people. It submerges forests, displaces wildlife, and impacts ecosystems. Thousands of families lose homes and land. The government is working on resettlement plans, but challenges remain. Balancing development and conservation is crucial.

Environmental Concerns

The Polavaram Dam Project has raised several environmental concerns. The construction of the dam will submerge thousands of hectares of forest land, displacing numerous wildlife species and affecting the ecosystem. The project will also disrupt the flow of the Godavari River, which may have long-term effects on the biodiversity of the river. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the impact of the dam on the river's ecosystem and the surrounding areas. Despite these concerns, the project has received environmental clearance from the government, with certain conditions attached to mitigate the environmental impact.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement

The Polavaram Dam Project will displace thousands of people who live in the submerged areas. The government has promised to provide rehabilitation and resettlement to those affected. However, the process has been slow, and many people are still waiting for compensation and relocation. This resettlement of more than 40,000 families is a very big project. The government promised the displaced people that they would be given land and compensation. However, this process has been riddled with delays and other problems. The rehabilitation of the displaced communities is one of the most sensitive issues regarding the Polavaram Dam Project.

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Benefits of the Polavaram Dam Project

Though several problems exist, the Polavaram Dam Project has several advantages. The project will not only provide irrigation water for agricultural development but also produce hydroelectric power in the state, cutting down on its dependence on fossil fuels.

  • Irrigation will be provided to 2.91 lakh ha of agricultural land through this Polavaram Dam Project. This will improve crop production and enhance the livelihood status of the farmers in drought-prone areas.
  • It ensures the supply of safe drinking water to over 540 villages, improving access to clean water and enhancing the quality of life for rural communities.
  • The dam helps generate 960 MW of hydroelectric power, contributing to renewable energy production and reducing dependence on fossil fuels for electricity.
  • The Polavaram Project Dam prevents flooding in low-lying areas, saving thousands of people, their homes, and agricultural fields from water damage during the monsoon season.
  • The dam promotes the interlinking of rivers, ensuring better water distribution across states, and solving disputes over water sharing between Andhra Pradesh and neighboring regions.
  • Water provision for industries creates employment, adds investment opportunities and improves the regional industrial picture for economic development in the case of the Polavaram Dam Project.
  • By helping to store more water in the ground, flood prevention measures increase the chances of using long-term resources through borewell areas.
  • In its flood control aspect, crops and other structures are prevented from damage as rainwater could pour in which prevents financial losses that farmers or citizens may experience as a result.
  • The main dam of the Polavaram Project enhances fishery activities as a stable reservoir provides livelihoods to local fishermen and contributes to the regional economy.
     

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Challenges and Controversies

The Polavaram Dam Project presents several challenges and controversies. Increased costs are because of construction delays. Environmental problems are because of the submergence of forests and farmlands. Displacement of families creates social concerns. These factors make the project complex and challenging while being implemented for effective results.

Delays in Construction

The largest challenge for the Polavaram Dam Project is the delay in the construction process. From the initial submission that the project was going to be completed by the year 2018, due to some technical issues, problems in land acquisition, and environmental clearances, the completion date has been extended many times. The approximate date for the completion of this project is considered to be around 2024. Nevertheless, its date of completion is uncertain. The delays have increased the project cost and raised concerns about its timely completion.

Legal Disputes

The Polavaram Dam Project has also been subjected to various legal disputes. This project has seen opposition from several neighboring states, especially Telangana and Odisha, with regard to sharing water resources. These disputes have led to court battles and have further delayed the progress of this project. Therefore, the resolution of these legal issues will be a crucial factor in completing the Polavaram Dam Project successfully.

Financial Sustainability

The costs of the Polavaram Dam Project have remained a matter of concern due to the increasing expense. The government is expected to finance the project from both the state and the centre. However, the increasing expense of the project has created much doubt about financial sustainability. So, there has to be precise financial planning with proper management, thus ensuring that it remains economically sound and delivers promised benefits.

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Introduction and Location: The Polavaram Project is a multi-purpose dam on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.
  • Objective: The project ensures irrigation for 7.2 lakh hectares, drinking water for 540 villages, and 960 MW hydroelectric power generation capacity.
  • Historical Background: Proposed in 1941, Polavaram gained momentum post-2005 and was declared a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, of 2014.
  • National Importance: The central government funds 100% of the irrigation components as part of its national project status for regional development.
  • Economic Benefits: It significantly boosts agriculture, ensures flood control, mitigates droughts, and benefits multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
  • Environmental and Social Impact: Challenges include the displacement of over 100,000 people, biodiversity loss, forest submergence, and altering the river's ecological balance.
  • Challenges: The project faces delays due to interstate legal disputes, slow rehabilitation and resettlement progress, and environmental clearance issues.
  • Current Status: Despite delays, efforts to resolve disputes and expedite processes continue, ensuring transformative water management and development for South India.

Conclusion

The Polavaram Dam Project is a crucial infrastructure initiative that can change the agricultural and power sectors in Andhra Pradesh. Even though the project has several benefits, it has several challenges such as delays, environmental issues, and social issues. The increasing cost of the Polavaram Dam Project and legal disputes are some of the added complexities of the project.

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More Articles for IAS Preparation

Polavaram Dam Project UPSC FAQs

The Polavaram Project Dam provides irrigation, drinking water, flood control, hydroelectric power, and promotes industrial growth and tourism.

The Polavaram Dam Project reduces flood risks in low-lying areas by storing excess water and managing its release effectively.

The Polavaram Dam Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It provides water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation.

The estimated Polavaram Dam Project cost is ₹55,548 crore. This includes construction, land acquisition, and rehabilitation expenses.

The Polavaram Dam Project ECRF dam width of 1,128 meters ensures structural stability and helps withstand immense water pressure.
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