ONGOLE: Markapuram district authorities have expedited arrangements for the inauguration of the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Reservoir Project (PSVRP), with the government planning to release water into the project by August-end.
The trial run to release water from the Kollam Vagu head regulator to Nallamala Sagar through tunnels and feeder canals has been postponed after workers stopped Tunnel-2 works for a few days following a worker’s death at the site.
The project engineering wing and contractor have deployed special teams to complete the remaining works round the clock in shifts. These include balance lining work in Tunnel-2, where the tunnel boring machine (TBM) was stuck, and removal of equipment from the tunnels. “Except the Tunnel-2 balance lining works and a few others, all major works completed and we hope all the balance works will also be completed by August 27 without fail and the project is fully readied for receiving waters by the date,” PSVRP engineering officials said.
Officials have completed Tunnel-1 works, besides head regulators, feeder canal lining and benching works. They are now focusing on completing the remaining Tunnel-2 lining and removing electrical equipment.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to shift project oustees from villages that will be submerged under the Nallamala Sagar project. Collector M Vijaya Sunitha is monitoring the process, while officials are providing infrastructure and other facilities at the rehabilitation colonies to facilitate the relocation of the oustees.