LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

1.INTRODUCTION:
The Polavaram Irrigation Project is a Multipurpose one conferring Irrigation benefits in the
upland areas of Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna Districts. It also
envisages drinking water supply to Visakhapatnam Township and other towns and villages
enroute and Industrial water supply to the Visakhapatnam coast based Steel Plant and other
industries in the vicinity, generation of Hydel Power, affording Navigation facilities,
development of pisciculture and providing recreation and other benefits, besides urbanization.
The Project also provides diversion of 2,27 T. M.Cum (80 TMC ft.) of Godavari Waters to
Krishna Basin.

The Project is located in Andhra Pradesh near Polavaram village about 34 KMs. (21 Miles)
upstream of Kovvur - Rajahmundry Road and 42 KM. (26 Miles) upstream of Sir Arthur
Cotton Barrage, at Longitude 81°-39' 46" E and Latitude 17°-16' 53" N. The Polavaram
Project is essentially a diversion scheme and estimated for Rs. 2,665/-Crores (with 1985-86
rates). The revised estimated cost is Rs. 16010.45 Crores (with 2010-11 price level).

1
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

2.HISTORY OF THE PROJECT:

Early in 1941, Shri L. Venkatakrishna Iyer, the then Chief Engineer for Irrigation, put up
definite proposal for a storage Reservoir on the main Godavari River itself near Polavaram.
After detailed investigation, the Ramapadasagar Project Report was finalized.

The RamapadaSagar Project as contemplated consists of

i) a dam 130.0 m (428 ft.) high at the deepest portion,

ii) a canal 209 K.M. (130 Miles) long on the left side emptying into the Vizag Port.

iii) a canal of 200 K,M< (124 Miles) long on the right side up to the Krishna River and (after
crossing it by an aqueduct) another 143 K. M. (89 miles) long up to the Gundlakamma river,
and

iv a hydro-electric power station to develop 150 Mega-watts of Firm power.

Because of great depths of alluvium on one flank, sands on the other and with acceptable
rock available at great depths, the, scheme worked out to be very costly and therefore did not
fructify due to financial constraints and construction difficulties. The extra-ordinary floods in
the Godavari River during August 1953 and the urgent needs of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
stressed the need for a barrage on the main river. Various agreements have also been reached
between the neighboring states for sharing Godavari Waters and for construction of the
Polavaram Project with a FRL 45.72 M (150.00 ft,).

Accordingly, detailed investigation of the Polavaram Irrigation Project was taken-up in 1976
and Project Report was first presented in 1978. With further investigations and also based on
the Comments of Central Water Commission on 1978 and 1982 Project; Reports, the Project
report was finalized, in 1986 for estimated cost of Rs. 2665 Crores (with 1985-86 rates).
Investigation clearance was accorded by the Planning Commission, for revised cost of Rs.
16010.45 Crores (with 2010-11 price level).

2
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

3.INDEX MAP OF THE PROJECT:

Fig 3.1 Index map of the project

3
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

4. PROPOSALS OF THE PROJECT:

The present polavaram project is a modified proposal of Ramapada sagar project. The site
now selected is now situated 2.0 K.M upstream of the original Ramapada sagar project. It
envisages the construction of 2454 M long Earth-cum-rockfill dam across the main river with
a spillway of 1128.40 M length on the right flank and power cum river sluices block on the
left flank, the details of which are appended. The Polavaram Irrigation Project is essentially a
diversion work. It picks up and diverts the flow of River including releases from the up-
stream dams. It has also a live storage capacity of 2,136 million cusecs (75.20 TMC)
provided between the FRL of +45.72 M (150.00 feet) and the minimum draw down level of
41.15 M (135.00 ft).

The Reservoir formed by the Dam submerges an area of 637 Sq. Kms., out of which 601 Sq.
Kms. is in Andhra Pradesh, 24.00 Sq. Kms is in Madhya Pradesh and 12 Sq. KM is in Orissa.
Under the Reservoir a total number of 222 Revenue Villages will get submerged, in Andhra
Pradesh. 10 villages in Chhattisgarh and 7 villages in Odisha will be protected by Flood
Banks.The project envisages the construction of two lined canals, one on the left side (184
KM) and the other on right side (174 KM) and 960 Mega Watts of seasonal power with firm
generation of 80 Mega Watts is also proposed.

4
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

5.HEAD WORKS OF THE PROJECT:

5.1 EARTH-CUM-ROCKFILL DAM:

The total length of the ECRF dam is 2.41 KM. It includes the construction of diaphragm wall
of 1.5M thickness throughout the length of the dam upto a depth of fresh rock level. The
main purpose of the diaphragm wall is to arrest the seepage through the sandy soils. Before
the construction of the dam, For the stabilization of the soil different ground improvement
techniques are adopted to arrest the
liquefaction of the soil.

VIBROCOMPACTION:

In this technique an electric or

hydraulic vibrating unit called a
vibroflot or vibro-probe penetrates the
ground and the loose sands and causes
in enhancement of density. This
technique is suitable with a SPT values of 5- 10.

Fig 5.1 Process of VibroCompaction

ELECTRIC CONE PENETRATION TEST:

This test can be performed to test the density of the soil. This
test consists of electric cone which penetrates into the soil. The
resistance of the cone against penetration can be measured.
The ECPT values are measured for the soil before and after the
vibrocompaction and are the values are as follows.

Pre-ECPT: 2.5 N

Post-ECPT: 50 N

Fig 5.2 ECPT Test

5
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

CROSS HOLE TEST:

This technique consists of two bore holes

spaced 3m apart. One hole consists hammer
which is source for S-Waves and the other
hole consists of receiver which records the
S-Waves coming from the source. Based on
the distance and the time of travel of waves
through the soil, velocity of the waves can
be calculated. Using the velocity of the
waves through soil following properties of
the soil can be determined.

1. Shear Modulus
2. Poisson’s Ratio
3. Young’s Modulus
Fig 5.3 Cross Hole test

For the construction of the Diaphragm wall, Plastic concrete is used which is a self-
compaction concrete. For the excavation of the trench for the diaphragm wall equipment like
Grabber and Cutter are used. Grabber is used for shallow depths whereas the cutters are used
for deeper depths. During the time of excavation, the trench is filled with Bentonite slurry for
the stabilization of the sides of the trench. This Bentonite used in the trench is tested from
time to time to check the properties of the bentonite. The tests performed on the bentonite are

1.Marshall Cone Test:

This test is used to check the density of the bentonite clay. This test consists of calibrated
funnel and filled with bentonite slurry. The time of passing of bentonite through the cone is
noted. The time must be in between 32-50 sec.

2. Sand Content:

This test consists of calibrated test tube and a sieve. Sand content in bentonite can be
determined by passing the bentonite through it. Sand content in the bentonite must be <30.

6
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

3.PH test:

PH test can be performed by using PH paper. The PH of the bentonite must be in

between 7-11.

After the trench excavation was completed, the trench was tested for its depth.
The tests conducted are as follows:

1.SOUNDNESS TEST:

This test consists of plumb attached to a tape below & it was released in to the trench. The
depth to which the plumb travels is measured on the tape.

2.KODEN TEST:

ultrasonic devices (KODEN) are used to measure the alignment of partially cased or uncased
bore holes and diaphragm wall trenches. The use of ultrasound technology allows
measurements to be taken in water or bentonite suspension. The density of the suspension
must not exceed 1.15 t/m³. The ultrasonic measurement probe is suspended vertically from a
cable and lowered into the object to be surveyed. At the same time, orthogonal waves are
continuously emitted from the device and reflected from the walls. The reflected waves are
registered by measurement sensors. The distances, calculated as a function of wave speed and
reflection time, are presented in graphic form.

Fig 5.4 Ultrasonic device Fig 5.5 Graphical Result

7
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The excavated soil by the cutter is transferred through the pipes to the desander plant
arranged at the site. At the desander plant the excavated material gets segregated as fine,
coarse& silt aggregate and the bentonite also gets separated.

Fig 5.6 Desander Plant

Fig 5.7 C/s of ECRF dam

8
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

5.2 SPILLWAY:

The total length of the Spillway is about 1.054 KM. The total length of the spillway is
divided into 53 blocks numbered from 0-52. Of these 53 blocks 2 are key blocks, 2 are NOF
blocks, 10 river sluice blocks numbered from 5-14 & the rest are normal blocks. The width of
normal blocks is 21.5M.The size of river sluice block is 2.1 x 3m with each block having
width of 22.5m. The spillway consists of 48 radial gates of size 16x20m. The spillway is
designed for a discharge capacity of 36 lakh cusecs and it is checked for 50 lakh cusecs. The
design discharge is based on the maximum flood occur in the past years & it was found to be
max of 33 lakh cusecs in the year 1986.

SALIENT FEATURES OF SPILLWAY:

1. Design flood discharge: 36 lakh cusecs

2. Crest level of spillway: +25.72
3. Top level of gates: +45.72
4. Upstream bed level: +17.00
5. Foundation level at deep portion: -9.25
6. No. of gates:48
7. Size of gates: 16x20m
8. Top level of stilling basin: +7.25 Fig 5.8 Spillway
9. Road level: +54.00
10. Cross-section of spillway: Ogee c/s
11. Drainage gallery: 2 x 2.5m

Grades of concrete used are varied from M15 to M50. Concrete of different grades are used
as per the requirement in different sections of the spillway. High performance concrete with
silica fume of M50 grade in used in top section of spillway of 300mm thick to resist abrasion
action of the water. At the time of concreting, to reduce the heat of hydration the concrete is
made cooled to 20o C so that the shrinkage cracks can be reduced.

The whole section of the spillway is made up of rock formation. To fill the cracks in the
rocks formed at the time of formation and at the time of blasting the rock, Grouting is done.
Grouting consists of 50mmФ hole arranged in the staggered pattern and filled 1:6 proportion
of grouting material. The spillway consists of stilling basin of length 107.5m. The entire
stilling basin consists of panels of 21.5x21.5x4.5 m for normal sluice blocks &
22.5x21.5x4.5m for river sluice blocks. For the anchorage purpose of panels of stilling basin

9
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

32mmФ bars of 7m length are used. Of these 7m length 5m is grouted in to rock, while the
rest of the rod is extended in to the panel bent in to L-shape. These 32mmФ bars are arranged
in the staggered pattern with 1750mm c/c.

FIG 5.9 C/s of Stilling basin panels 1-4

FIG 5.10 C/s of Stilling basin panel 5

10
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

PULL OUT TEST:

This test is used to test the capacity of the anchor bar against the pulling action of the panels
of the stilling basin casued by the flow of water at high discharge. This test is carried out by
using manually operated hydraulic jack. Anchor bars must overcome the capcity of
40Tonnes.

FIG: 5.11 Pull out test

To control the seepage in the stilling basin, half round pipes of 300mmФ are aranged
&75mmФ holes are drilled in to the rock. Around the drainage pipes porous concrete is laid.
Rubber stoppers are arranged in the contraction joints of the stilling basin to reduce the
seepage.

Fig 5.12 Plan for Stilling Basin Fig 5.13 C/s of drainage pipe

11
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fig 5.14 C/s of River sluice block

Fig 5.15 C/s of normal sluice block

Fig 5.16 Zoning of materials in spillway

12
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fig 5.17 Reinforcement Details of the Spillway

13
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

5.3 RIGHT MAIN CANAL:

Right main canal rises from the reservoir formed at ECRF dam and runs up to Krishna district
which connects the Budameru channel of the Krishna river.

SALIENT FEATURES OF RIGHT MAIN CANAL:

1. Length of the canal : 174 KM

2. Discharge capacity : 20,000 cumecs
3. Bed width of the canal : 85.50 M
4. Bed level of the canal : +35.232
5. T.B.L : +41.532
6. F.S.L : +40.232
7. Bed fall : 1 in 20000
8. Water utilization : 80 TMC
9. Diversion to the Krishna river : 80 TMC
10. Ayacut :3.2 L acres

Head regulator which regulates/alters the flow from the reservoir according to the
requirement. Two saddle dams, 2 bunds and two pairs of twin tunnels. These saddle dams are
constructed using earth and rock fill. Diaphragm wall of 0.5m thickness is constructed to
control the seepage in the saddle dams. Twin tunnels each having length of 800m, 12mФ and
each having discharge capacity of 10,000 cusecs and OT regulator which delivers the water
to the right main canal.

Fig 5.18 Connectivities of RMC

14
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fig 5.19 Head regulator

Fig 5.20 Twin Tunnels

Fig 5.21 O T Regulator

15
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

PATTISEEMA IRRIGATION LIFT SCHEME:

The government had come up with the idea of building a lift irrigation scheme at Pattiseema
village in Polavaram Mandal in West Godavari district in January 2015 to quickly get
Godavari water to meet the irrigation needs of Krishna delta, which was started facing
increased water shortage in recent times, as the main project was expected to take a longer
time. About 80 tmc ft. of water will be pumped in to the polavaram canal. An additional 40
tmc ft. of water is tapped to en route through seasonal streams linked in to the canal. It is a
temporary project. Once the polavaram dam is completed the right main canal will be linked
to the dam. Pattiseema is the first project to be completed under the revised national river
interlinking project. The project cost is 1300 Cr.

The project contains 24 motors and 24 pumps of 6,300 HP and 5,300 HP respectively with a
combined capacity to discharge 8,500 cusecs of water. The project requires 113 mw of power
to run all the 24 pumps as each motor require 4.7 mw of power to lift the water. 12 pipes are
laid underground to a length of 3.925 KM to deliver the water to the RMC at 1.50 KM from
OT regulator. The minimum level of water to be in the river for pumping to be started is
+14.

Fig 5.22 Index map of Pattiseema project

Fig 5.23 Pumping system in Pattiseema project

16
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fig 5.24 Outlet of pattiseema at RMC

17
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

5.4 LEFT MAIN CANAL:

SALIENT FEATURES OF LEFT MAIN CANAL:

1. Length of the canal:184 KM

2. Water to the Vizag steel plant: 23.44 TMC
3. Ayacut: 4L acres

With the left main canal, there is water supply to large number of people in East Godavari,
West Godavari and Vishakapatnam districts. On the left side of the ECRF dam power house
is constructed having the capacity of 960MW. 12 vertical kaplan turbines are installed each
having capacity of 80MW.

In a major decision, the state government has sanctioned a 1638 Cr project Purushothapatnam
lift irrigation project in the West Godavari district. The scheme is intended to lift the
Godavari water at two places and divert the same to the polavaram left main canal. In the first
stage, it is proposed to lift water and divert it to the left main canal at purushothapatnam for
irrigating the polavaram left canal ayacut. In the second phase, the Godavari water is used to
irrigate water will be used to irrigate the Yeleru ayacut and Yeleru reservoir for providing
water for domestic and industrial needs of Visakhapatnam. The project is being taken upon
the lines of Pattiseema, which lifts water from the Godavari and pumps it into the Polavaram
Right Main Canal for it to join the Krishna river upstream of Prakasam barrage. Through the
latest project, the Irrigation Department proposes to divert 23.4 tmcft water to
Visakhapatnam. The Left Main Canal will create an irrigation potential of 1,61,943 hectares
(4lakh acres) in East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts. In the first stage, water would be
pumped into a cistern from the Godavari river at 1.8-km point of the Left Main Canal and in
the second stage, water would be pumped into the Left Main Canal (at 57.885 km point) for
filling the Yeleru reservoir.

Through the left main canal, there is a lot of

tourism to be developed around the river
Godavari. The navigation system for the boats in
the Godavari river has to gone to a advanced level
i.e. water locking system. This system works in three Fig 5.25 Water locking system

stages to rise the boat sufficient head level on the upstream side of the dam. The head level of
the water subsequently rises in the three stages of the water locking system.

18
 LAKIREDDY BALIREDDY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

6.PRESENT STATUS OF WORK:

The work of the diaphragm wall for ECRF dam begins in February 2017 by Bauer L&T. In
the first phase it has constructed diaphragm wall from 800-1450 m length by the month of
August and the work was paused of the river water due heavy rains in the upstream areas.
The coffer dam construction in both the upstream and downstream sides of ECRF dam has
yet to be started. The present CM of AP Mr.Chandrababu Naidu has laid a stone for it.

The concrete work of the spillway was going very fast. All the foundation work was
completed upto the max level and the construction of 3 blocks of spillway was completed.
50% of the works of the stilling basin was completed & the concrete works for the spill
channel, pilot channel and approach channel was yet to be started. Of the total 16L m 3 of the
concrete works of the spillway 80,000 m3 was completed. 85% of the works of the RMC &
65% of works of LMC was completed. The AP state government has decided to complete the
entire polavaram project by the 2019.

19