Polavaram Project Faces Ongoing Quality Concerns Despite Expert Advice

Swift Summary

• The polavaram irrigation project faces delays in implementing quality control measures, despite recommendations from international experts.
• Only 30% of the reconstruction work on the damaged diaphragm wall has been completed after six months, with critical quality mechanisms yet to be operational.
• A draft manual for quality control,prepared by the Andhra Pradesh Engineering Research Institute (AFRI),awaits approval from several central and state-level agencies due to objections raised during reviews.
• Previous structural setbacks include damage to the old diaphragm wall and guide-bund worth hundreds of crores. Uncontrolled seepage through cofferdams caused additional losses.
• A Delhi-based firm,ADCO,has been selected as a third-party quality control agency after extensive delays; it will establish a laboratory at the site for material and construction testing.
• Experts stress the importance of an independent monitoring mechanism and clearly defined responsibilities among all agencies involved to ensure project integrity and reliability.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The challenges surrounding the Polavaram irrigation project highlight systemic issues in planning, execution, and regulatory oversight in large infrastructure projects in India. The delay in adopting robust quality assurance mechanisms risks compromising not only deadlines but also long-term structural integrity-a critical factor given this project’s strategic significance for irrigation and flood management.

The reliance on contractors for both execution and review underscores potential conflicts of interest; thus, establishing an independent third-party monitoring framework is a positive step forward if implemented efficiently.Timely approval of pending guidelines is essential to eliminate ambiguity over roles or standards across all stakeholders involved.

With substantial public funds already invested-and more required due to setbacks-ensuring accountability at every level is key to restoring confidence in this high-profile project’s completion within reasonable timeframes while maintaining openness.
Read more: The Hindu