Works of Pattiseema Irrigation Scheme Completed as per Schedule

Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (PLIS) intended to draw flood waters of Godavari River and flow it to Krishna at Prakasam Barrage through Polavaram Right Main Canal has been completed within the scheduled time of one year. The project was in place ready to draw 80 tmcft water from Godavari as on March 20.

According to Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd. (MEIL) the company which executed the project, completion of an irrigation project within the scheduled time was a record of sorts.

Usually, when the project is delayed, the estimated cost goes up, thus entailing an additional expenditure on the government. But in case of PLS, the government did not have to spend additional money on the project since it has been completed on time.

The pump house of the project is also the largest in Asia, with 24 pumping units. Though the project constitutes critical civil works where foundation levels are far below mean sea level, MEIL has completed these works with local technological expertise.

In record time first pump sets commenced on Sept. 18 last year. Now all 24 pump sets have been tested successfully and ready for pumping as on March 20. Administrative sanction was accorded for PLS on January 1 last year for Rs.1,300 crore. The work was entrusted to MEIL with one year agreement period.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS