PaperDabba News Desk: 2024-07-15
Polavaram Project’s Downfall
As State Water Resources Minister Dr. Sri Nimmala Ramanaidu highlighted, the Polavaram project faced significant setbacks due to the previous government’s neglect. During an event in Vijayawada commemorating the 122nd birth anniversary of Padma Bhushan Dr. Kanuri Lakshman Rao, the Minister emphasized the visionary engineer’s contributions and the previous administration’s negligence that led to the diaphragm wall’s collapse.
Dr. K.L. Rao’s Legacy
Dr. K.L. Rao, celebrated for his visionary proposals on river interlinking and engineering prowess, remains a source of pride for the Telugu community. His contributions to the irrigation sector are unparalleled, with monumental projects like gravity dams, arch dams, concrete dams, stone barrages, and multi-purpose power plants. Celebrating his birth anniversary is a significant step in recognizing his contributions.
Neglect in Recent Years
Minister Ramanaidu expressed concern over the previous government’s failure to honor the legacies of eminent engineers like Sir Arthur Cotton, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, and Dr. K.L. Rao. He criticized the former administration for not organizing their birth anniversaries and neglecting irrigation and drinking water projects, leading to the collapse of critical structures like the Polavaram diaphragm wall.
Rejuvenation Efforts
Upon taking office, the new administration prioritized irrigation and drinking water projects. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s immediate visit to Polavaram and weekly reviews are a testament to his commitment. The administration has been actively resolving the challenges inherited from the previous government, striving to complete the Polavaram project swiftly.
Dr. K.L. Rao’s Engineering Marvels
Dr. K.L. Rao’s engineering feats include the Chambal Valley projects, Hirakud on the Mahanadi, Farakka Barrage on the Ganges, Kosi Barrage on the Damodar, and the Ukai on the Tapti River. His contributions to constructing Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams on the Krishna River are remarkable. The current government takes pride in celebrating his 122nd birth anniversary, recognizing his invaluable contributions.
Challenges Post-2019 Government Change
The change in government in 2019 proved detrimental to the Polavaram project. The transition saw a halt in work for nearly 13 months due to contract changes and other administrative delays. Experts from IIT Hyderabad reported on the damages and losses incurred during this period. The current administration is steadily addressing these challenges to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Annual Celebrations
The government plans to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Sir Arthur Cotton, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, Dr. K.L. Rao, and Sri Ramakrishna annually. These celebrations are expected to inspire future generations and highlight the importance of these visionary engineers’ contributions to the state’s irrigation and drinking water sectors.
Community Recognition
MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao praised the new government’s focus on irrigation projects. He highlighted Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s dedication to reviewing the current status of projects like Polavaram and conducting regular reviews. Dr. K.L. Rao’s legacy as an engineer and his contributions to the nation’s development were lauded during the event.
Following the speeches, the Minister honored retired senior engineers from the Water Resources Department with shawls. Advisors, chief engineers, and other dignitaries participated in the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of eminent engineers.
The new administration’s efforts to revive the Polavaram project and honor the legacies of visionary engineers reflect a commitment to progress and development.
