₹1,000 Crore Released For R&R Of Polavaram Project Victims

Kakinada: Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said the Central government has given Rs 1,000 crore as compensation to families affected by the Polavaram Project under the Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) package.

He noted that this was the second tranche of compensation released since the coalition government came to power, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of displaced families. The minister distributed compensation checks to project-affected families in Velerupadu mandal of Eluru district on Saturday.

Accompanied by alliance leaders, Ramanaidu performed Abhishekams in front of portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and expressed gratitude for allocating funds to support the victims.

He said the alliance government had given priority to the displaced people of Polavaram, adding that the previous YSRC government had “destroyed and neglected” the project, resulting in great injustice to the affected families. The minister claimed that the diaphragm wall was completely damaged during the YSRC regime, resulting in an additional burden of Rs 1,000 crore on the public exchequer.

“Between 2014 and 2019, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu worked tirelessly to complete the wall, but the YSRC government allowed it to deteriorate. As soon as the alliance government came to power, we restarted the construction of Polavaram and stood firmly with those who gave up their land,” he said.

Ramanaidu stated that the alliance government has given equal priority to land acquisition, rehabilitation and project construction and the work is progressing as per schedule to complete the Polavaram Project by December 2027.

He recalled that Chandrababu Naidu provided ₹700 crore as compensation to the displaced in 2016 and in January 2025, he deposited another ₹900 crore directly into their accounts.

He assured that the government will complete the construction of relief, rehabilitation and housing colonies in the 41.15 meter perimeter area under Phase I by June 2026.

Ramanaidu added that tenders worth ₹739 million for rehabilitation, colony construction and provision of basic amenities have been awarded. Currently, 49 out of 75 colonies are under construction and infrastructure development is ongoing. The first phase of the R&D program is expected to be completed by June 2026.

A special grievance cell has also been set up in Polavaram to address the problems faced by displaced families, he said.