VIJAYAWADA: Completing Polavaram project by 2019 is next to impossible, with the way things are going with the project today, says former MP Undavalli Arun Kumar.
Excerpts from Interview with Undavalli Arun Kumar.
Do you think the AP Govt will be able to complete Polavaram project by 2019?
I do not think it is possible as not even half the construction work has been completed so far. Now, Chandrababu Naidu is trying to bring pressure on the Centre.
Was revised estimates necessary?
Instead of answering it, let me ask you, was it necessary for the State government to take up construction works of Polavaram when AP Reorganisation Act mandates that Centre will take responsibility, including execution of the project.
Do you think the State’s latest efforts to mount pressure on the Centre was politically motivated?
The State government took up the works with vested interests and now with funds only trickling, it is trying to build up pressure on the Centre so that it can blame the Centre for any delay.
You have been saying if not for Pattiseema and Purushothapatnam, the works of Polavaram could have progressed better.
I stand by what I say. Pattiseema scheme was meant to fill the pockets of contractors and even it was pointed out by CAG when it questioned `390 crore excess payment. What is the rationale behind 21% payment excess over the estimated cost?
Do you think similar manipulation is happening in Polavaram?
There are several irregularities happening with the project, right from the awarding contract of works to appointment of certain individuals as project engineers. If there is an inquiry into those irregularities, I am ready to prove the same with evidence.
Do you really think is not possible to complete the project early?
It is possible to complete the project by 2021 if the works are executed as planned by the UPA govt.