The Polavaram project is a multi-purpose irrigation project located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. The project involves the construction of a dam on the Godavari River and the creation of a right canal to divert water from the dam to the Krishna River.
The main purpose of the Polavaram project is to provide irrigation water to the drought-prone regions of Andhra Pradesh, as well as to generate hydroelectric power. The project is expected to provide irrigation to about 2.91 million acres of land, and to generate about 960 MW of hydroelectric power.
The construction of the right canal is a key component of the Polavaram project, as it will be responsible for transporting water from the dam to the Krishna River. The right canal will be approximately 180 kilometers long, and will have a capacity of about 45,000 cubic meters per second.
However, the construction of the right canal has faced numerous challenges and controversies. One major issue has been the displacement of local communities, as the construction of the canal has required the acquisition of land from these communities. This has led to protests and legal battles, with many communities demanding compensation and rehabilitation measures.
Another concern has been the environmental impact of the project, as the construction of the right canal has involved the diversion of water from the Godavari River, which could potentially affect the river's ecology and the communities that depend on it. There have also been concerns about the safety of the dam and the right canal, given the risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Despite these challenges, the Polavaram project has been hailed as a major development initiative that has the potential to bring significant benefits to the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to boost agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the state's economic growth.
Overall, the Polavaram project and the construction of the right canal are complex and controversial issues that have garnered significant attention and debate in India. While there are concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment, the project is also seen as a potential source of development and progress for the state of Andhra Pradesh.