Polavaram project likely to displace 1.88 lakh people: Govt

New Delhi: The Polavaram multi-purpose project is likely to displace over 1.88 lakh people across 222 villages and so far, 1,730 persons in six villages have been rehabilitated, the government said on Thursday.

Water Resources and River Development Minister Uma Bharti also told the Lok Sabha that the government is making all efforts to complete the project on time.

Construction of the Polavaram project has been taken up by the Andhra Pradesh government and an expenditure of Rs 5,575.35 crore was incurred till March 31 this year, she said during Question Hour.

With protective embankments, 1,88,370 persons in 222 villages are likely to be displaced by the project. So far, 1,730 persons in six villages have been rehabilitated.

Rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons and families is being carried out as per the policies in place, she said.

The project is expected to irrigate an area of 2.91 lakh hectares apart from generating 960 MW of power. In addition, 23.44 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water would be available for domestic and industrial uses while 80 TMC of water would be there for diversion to the Krishna Basin.

We have taken the project seriously... It is a matter of national pride. We are committed and are making all efforts to complete the project on time, the Minister said.

The Polavaram project authority and governing body, constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, has been functional since January this year.

Source:PTI