CWC nod for Polavaram project shortly: CM

Eluru, Feb 4 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said the Central Water Commission (CWC) would give its clearance in a month, for the Polavaram multipurpose irrigation project in West Godavari district.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr Reddy said as the obstacles were removed and clearance from the CWC was exptected, works on the project would start soon. The government had allocated Rs 700 crore, in the first design, to construct river bunds in inundating areas in Orissa and Chattisgarh.

Sixty per cent of land acquisition for the irrigation project was over he said adding steps would be taken to expedite relief and rehabilitation package for the displaced.

About channelisation of Kolleru fresh water lake he said the officials were directed to prepare a blue print to take up dredging work to facilitate flow of flood water from the lake to the Bay of Bengal.

Sanction had been given for Rs 14.37 crore Yerrakalva Lift Irrigation Scheme to irrigate 15,000 acres in West Godavari district, he added.

UNI