Testing of Polavaram’s D-Wall to begin today; NHPC team arrives

Vijayawada: Tests to ascertain the structural stability of the nearly 700-metres long non-scoured and exposed portion of the diaphragm wall of the Polavaram irrigation project are being taken up from Wednesday. NHPC executive director L Kapil inspected the diaphragm wall and inquired about the preparatory works done by the water resources authorities for tests to ascertain the health of the diaphragm wall. If it is found healthy and intact, a fresh diaphragm wall of 700 metres would be constructed by replacing the scoured and submerged portion of the wall. However, for construction of either a portion or the full length diaphragm wall, the state has to import construction equipment from Germany to construct a 1.5 metres-width diaphragm wall.