Polavaram Irrigation Project (image:x.com/nwa_pune)

New Delhi: The Central government informed the Parliament that it has released ₹ 5,512.40 crore to Andhra Pradesh government for Polavaram irrigation project during the period May, 2024 to July, 2025. This information was shared by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary on Monday (July 28) as a response to an unstarred question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Golla Baburao.

Jal Shakti Ministry gave details regarding the release of money for the project. Out of the total ₹5,512.40 crore, ₹2,807.69 crore was released on October last year. This amount included ₹459.69 crore to cover past expenses and the first advance payment of ₹2,348.00 crore for the 2024-25 financial year. Later, on March 11, 2025, a second advance payment of ₹2,704.71 crore for financial year 2024-25 was released.

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The Central government sent these funds directly to the State treasury. They directed the Andhra Pradesh government to transfer the money to the SNA (Single Nodal Agency) account, as per government guidelines, Minister stated.

Continuing further, Choudhary revealed that out of ₹ 2704.71 crore released, an amount of ₹ 569.36 crores has been moved to the SNA bank account. The Andhra Pradesh government informed that the remaining money is with them and has also stated that no funds have been used for other purposes.

As the Rajya Sabha leader asked how Central Government ensure that amount sanctioned by it is spent on construction of Polavaram, Minister responded that Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) under DoWR, RD&GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti monitors the implementation of Polavaram irrigation project.

“The bills related to project works are scrutinised by PPA before sending proposal for further release to DoWR, RD&GR, to ensure that the amount released for the Polavaram irrigation project is spent on project implementation, only,” the Minister highlighted.

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Last December, Central government has listed the recommendations of Panel of Experts (PoE) to minimise safety risks and to ensure timely completion of Polavaram irrigation project in the Parliament.

In a written response, Minister of Jal Shakti addressed primary concerns related to deadlines and safety associated with the Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project and detailed specific recommendations made by experts to minimise safety risks and ensure that the project is completed on time.