Polavaram Cost Escalation: Sakshi Trying to Mislead?

The other day, Andhra Pradesh Government has increased the cost estimate of Polavaram Dam works by 1,656.61 Crore. That means there is no cost-saving through Reverse Tendering as claimed earlier but the cost in fact has increased.

Sakshi has tried to cover up the criticism distorting facts, claims TDP. In a news report, Sakshi went on to say the additional expense is due to additional works that will be taken upon the recommendations of CWC. But in the official G.O., there is no mention of that.

The G.O. says the works are taken upon the recommendations of Polavaram Chief Engineer which means a decision of the State Government. Also, Sakshi mentioned that the Work Order is issued only after the Union Government agreed to reimburse this extra expense.

The G.O. says the new cost estimate should be within the revised estimates approved by the GOI. Interestingly, there is no way center to accept this expense since the Union Government is already sitting on various revised estimates for years together, refusing to approve them.

“This is a clear case of face-saving by Sakshi. They are trying to mislead the people distorting the facts,” TDP alleges.