In a scathing report from Amaravati, experts in irrigation have raised grave concerns regarding the quality of construction work being carried out on the Polavaram Left Canal Project. Allegations of corruption and substandard practices have surfaced, particularly against the construction firm RV Projects, linked to Ramoji Rao’s son, which is accused of engaging in rampant looting of public funds. These claims emerge from a backdrop of questionable dealings during the previous Chandrababu Naidu government between 2014-2019, when Y. Ramakrishna, a current TDP MLA, was the finance minister.
The allegations are centered around the poor concrete lining of the canal, which has reportedly resulted in cracks appearing within days of installation. Critics argue that the repairs carried out with cement are merely cosmetic fixes, highlighting a failure in quality control that raises serious questions about the oversight provided by government officials, who are believed to be protecting the contractors.
Significant financial discrepancies have also been pointed out. As of October 3, 2019, the estimated cost for the remaining work on the canal was pegged at ₹81.63 crore. However, this estimate was inflated by the Naidu government to ₹293.66 crore, and subsequently awarded to RV Projects at a quoted price of ₹307.41 crore, marking an increase of ₹225.78 crore or 277%. Experts suggest that such inflated estimates are indicative of collusion, with allegations of a “green gang” benefiting from the inflated costs.
These claims echo Prime Minister Modi’s allegations made during a public rally in Rajahmundry on April 1, 2019, where he referred to the Polavaram Project as an “ATM” for commissions under Naidu’s administration. The project, which encompasses various packages, has seen contracts awarded to firms with questionable credentials and ties to political figures, further complicating the integrity of the work being performed.
The work on the Left Canal has faced scrutiny not only for financial irregularities but also for the methods employed. The contract for excavating and lining the canal was awarded to Sabir Dam Water Works back in March 2005, but subsequent contracts were awarded through nominations to firms closely associated with political figures, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the procurement process.
Recent inspections revealed that the construction methods employed do not comply with the stipulated guidelines, particularly in areas requiring controlled blasting in rocky regions. Residents near the construction site have reported tremors and disturbances, indicating a lack of adherence to safety protocols.
Despite these alarming reports, engineering experts claim that officials remain silent due to the influence wielded by the contractors. With cracks already forming in the concrete lining, there are fears that the canal may not be able to withstand full water levels without significant failure, putting the entire irrigation project at risk and potentially affecting the agricultural landscape it serves.
In conclusion, as accusations of corruption and negligence mount, the need for accountability and transparency in the Polavaram Project has never been more urgent. With the state of Andhra Pradesh relying heavily on this irrigation project for agricultural success, the implications of these findings could be far-reaching, and the call for an investigation into the practices of RV Projects and their associates is growing louder among concerned citizens and experts alike.
