Project Name

Polavaram Project

Type

Multi-purpose Irrigation Project

River

Built on the Godavari River

Location

Near Polavaram village, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh; bordering Chhattisgarh and Odisha

Geographical Significance

Built where the Godavari emerges from the Eastern Ghats and enters the plains

Conceived

In 1980, based on the recommendations of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT)

Status

Accorded National Project status by the Central Government

Purpose

To address water scarcity, boost agricultural productivity, and generate hydroelectric power

Dam Specifications

Span: ~1.2 km; Pier Height: 54 m; Total Radial Gates: 48 (each 16 m × 20 m)

Flood Management

Designed to withstand floods that occur once in 1000 years

Spillway Capacity

Highest discharge capacity in the world — 50 lakh cusecs (surpassing China’s Three Gorges Dam)

World Record

Set a world record by pouring 32,315.5 cubic metres of concrete into the spillway channel in a single stretch

Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements about the Polavaram Project:

1. It is a multi-purpose irrigation project.
   
   
2. It is located in Telangana.
   
   
3. It has been accorded national project status by the Government of India.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C) 1 and 3 only