Scientists Visit Polavaram to Check Quality of Dam Construction

Scientist Sandeep Dhanote is involved in collection of rock samples at the project site. As the dam is coming up across Godavari and river water will be impounded to a height of 45.72 meters to meet the needs of drinking water, irrigation and hydro-electric power, the dam, state and central authorities are taking up all precautionary measures to check the quality of rock available in situ for construction of the dam.

Some samples collected are being tested at the on-site lab, while others are being taken to CSMRS in New Delhi to check across several parameters.

According to an estimate, nearly one crore cubic metres of rock is required for construction of the Polavaram Dam and other components of the project. Given such huge demand, authorities are checking the quality of rock to check its suitability for the project.

Another team of scientists, comprising Ravi Agarwal and Lalith Kumar Solanki, is evaluating the quality of materials, mainly the concrete being used for construction of the diaphragm wall, and other components. As the D-wall plays a crucial role in construction of the main Polavaram Dam, authorities are carrying out the mandatory quality audit of the materials being used. This is to ensure that the structure being constructed is strong to sustain all weather conditions.

These scientists, who have been frequently visiting the dam site for checks, are submitting their reports at regular intervals. These reports are being analysed every time. Based on reports of these analyses, designs of various components of the project will be prepared to get the final approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Polavaram project superintendent engineer R. Ramachandra Rao said, “With the dam works gaining momentum, teams of scientists and experts are visiting the project site at regular intervals to ensure the quality of the overall project.”