The International Panel of Experts (PoE) visited the Polavaram Project for the eighth time, spending four days at the project site from October 14 to October 17 to review the progress and quality of ongoing construction works.
The panel comprises international experts Richard Donnelly, Gianfranco Di Cicco, Sean Hinchberger and David Paul. During the visit, they inspected various project components and reviewed the construction of the Earth-Cum-Rock-Fill (ECRF) dam. They also held detailed discussions with officials from the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA), the Central and State Water Resources Departments, and MEIL Group.
The PoE reviewed the approved designs, construction quality records and data from instruments installed to monitor the dam's performance. The panel also examined grouting works at G Hill and G-Dash Hill and reviewed the action taken on recommendations made during its previous visit.
As part of the field inspection, the experts conducted tests in the ECRF dam's Gap-2 area to check soil moisture and firmness after compaction. They examined soil in specially excavated test pits and observed the use of a sheep-foot roller for soil compaction.
The PoE expressed satisfaction with the soil moisture and firmness observed during the field checks. During the technical review, the panel also noted that the instrumentation data showed no deviations from the prescribed parameters and expressed satisfaction with the grouting works and the action taken on its earlier recommendations.
The visit highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring, quality checks and adherence to approved designs in the construction of this critical dam.
The positive observations from the Panel of Experts reflect the progress made in the works reviewed and the continued focus on construction quality and engineering standards at the Polavaram Project.