Return of Andhra's Polavaram Link Proposal by Environment Ministry

Hyderabad, July 1 (PTI) The Union Ministry of Environment's committee has decided to return Andhra Pradesh's proposal regarding the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project. This decision stems from the recommendation that the state government should thoroughly assess the availability of floodwaters in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC).

During its meeting on June 17, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) highlighted that several complaints were received via email. These communications suggested the project could potentially breach the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award established in 1980.

The EAC noted, "It is crucial for the project proponent (the Andhra Pradesh government) to consult the CWC to examine any inter-state issues and secure necessary clearance before resubmitting the proposal. Consequently, the proposal was returned based on these considerations."

The Andhra Pradesh Government is aiming to develop a plan to redirect floodwaters from the Polavaram Dam to the Banakacherla Regulator on the Srisailam Right Main Canal. This scheme intends to utilize these floodwaters effectively.

Nevertheless, the Telangana government has vehemently opposed the project. It argues that it negatively impacts the state's interests and has approached the central government to halt the project's progression.

The project aims to supply drinking water to approximately 80 lakh individuals, irrigate a new ayacut spanning three lakh hectares, complement 9.14 lakh hectares, and allocate 20 TMC feet of water for industrial purposes.

The project's initial cost is projected to be Rs 81,900 crores, based on the 2025-26 price level.

In defense of the project, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu previously emphasized that the initiative intends to channel surplus waters from the Godavari River to Andhra's drought-affected regions. Naidu assured that Telangana should not have concerns, as only the Godavari River's surplus water intended for the sea would be used.

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