Andhra Pradesh fast-tracks Polavaram–Banakacherla link despite pending clearances

Andhra Pradesh has fast-tracked the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project to divert Godavari floodwaters, bypassing mandatory approvals. Telangana has raised objections, citing violations and ecological risks. Though aimed at Rayalaseema, the immediate benefits will go to the Krishna delta

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh has fast-tracked efforts to divert so-called untapped floodwaters from the Godavari through the contentious Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, bypassing mandatory legal and environmental clearances. The controversial project, pegged at Rs.80,112 crore according to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is primarily intended to supply water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region, though immediate benefits will accrue to the Krishna delta.

Experts note that the proposed project would take at least three years to obtain mandatory approvals and an additional decade to complete the 25-km tunnel through the ecologically sensitive Nallamala forests.

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As a first step, the AP government has prioritised increasing the capacity of the Polavaram Right Main Canal from 17,500 cusecs to 38,000 cusecs to divert Godavari water to the Krishna river. The work is being carried out on a war footing to meet internal deadlines, sources said.

However, this canal expansion will primarily serve the Krishna delta region, which has been under pressure due to upstream overdrawals by Andhra Pradesh from the Srisailam project. The diverted water will aid irrigation in Krishna and Guntur districts, while the drought-affected Rayalaseema must continue to wait.

The Polavaram–Banakacherla project is to be executed in three phases and includes transferring water via the Bollapalli reservoir and a 25-km tunnel through the Nallamala forest to the Banakacherla regulator in Nandyal. While Andhra Pradesh claims to be utilising surplus Godavari floodwaters—estimated at 2,000–3,000 TMC annually flowing into the Bay of Bengal—Telangana has objected, alleging violations of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Telangana argues that the project lacks approval from the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), and Central Water Commission (CWC), posing a threat to its water security.

The NDA government at the Centre has shown support for the initiative, with CM Naidu holding talks with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for funding. However, environmental concerns, particularly the impact on Nallamala forest, and opposition from water rights activists within Andhra Pradesh have raised alarms over potential ecological and inter-state conflicts. Although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is nearing completion, the full execution may take more than a decade, heightening regional tensions.