Polavaram Displaced to Be Rehabilitated as Per Norms: A.P. Minister

Rapid Summary

• Andhra Pradesh minister for Water Resources, Nimmala Ramanaidu, addressed the Legislative Council regarding rehabilitation efforts under the Polavaram Irrigation Project.
• A total of 96,660 project-displaced families (PDFs) from 373 habitations will undergo rehabilitation.
• The rehabilitation process is divided into two phases:

– Phase I: Covers up to +41.15 metres contour and affects 38,060 families.
– Compensation paid to 19,953 families so far. Out of these:
– Scheduled Tribes: 9,220.
– Scheduled Castes: 2,639.
– Other Categories: 8,094.- Phase II: Covers above +41.15 metres up to +45.72 metres and impacts 58,600 families.

• Under Phase I:

– Housing plots allotted to 18,964 beneficiaries, including:
– Scheduled Tribes: 9,960.
– Scheduled Castes: 2,314.
– Other Categories: 6,690.

• The Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to completing the process as per approved guidelines.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Polavaram Irrigation Project’s displacement and rehabilitation plan represents a notable administrative undertaking aimed at balancing development needs with social equity concerns. Compensating and relocating nearly one lakh affected families is a principal challenge that requires robust planning and execution.

While progress has been reported in terms of disbursing compensation (to about half of the affected Phase I households so far), achieving timely implementation across both phases will require sustained funding allocations and efficient on-ground coordination-especially in addressing vulnerable populations such as the sizable proportion of displaced Scheduled Tribes.

This explicit commitment by Andhra Pradesh’s government underscores its prioritization of large-scale infrastructure projects while navigating their socio-economic consequences. Prosperous implementation may not only aid thousands but could also set benchmarks for future resettlement programs nationally or internationally.Read more