Andhra speeds up Polavaram–Banakacharla project despite Telangana’s outrage

Andhra Pradesh has fast-tracked the Detailed Project Report for the Polavaram–Banakacharla Link Project to divert Godavari floodwaters into the Krishna basin, despite Telangana’s protests. The Rs 80,112 crore project has deepened water-sharing tensions between the two Telugu States

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh is pushing ahead with its plans for the contentious Polavaram–Banakacharla Link Project, ignoring protests and formal pleas from Telangana to halt the work. The AP government has fast-tracked preparations for its Detailed Project Report (DPR), which aims to channel floodwaters from the Godavari River into the Krishna basin. Despite Telangana’s repeated calls for the Centre’s intervention, AP’s efforts show no signs of slowing.

Telangana officials have been voicing concern over AP’s plans, which they say violate interstate pacts, but their objections have made little impact on either the neighbouring State or the Central Water Commission (CWC). Andhra’s Water Resources Department has issued a tender worth Rs 9.20 crore for consultancy services to prepare the DPR. The scope includes geological surveys, hydrological analysis and environmental studies, which are all key requirements for CWC approval.

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AP officials emphasise that, as the downstream riparian, the State has the right to utilise the 2,000–3,000 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of Godavari floodwater that flows unused into the Bay of Bengal each year. “This isn’t provocation; it’s a practical necessity,” a department source said. A pre-feasibility report is already in New Delhi, with AP aiming to complete the full DPR in three months. Indications are that the State could start diversions as early as 2027, with the project expected to redirect about 200 tmcft of surplus water from the Polavaram reservoir to the Banakacharla headworks in Kurnool district.

The proposed diversion, presented as a plan to irrigate more than 2 lakh acres in the parched Rayalaseema region, has caused heartburn in Telangana.

At an estimated Rs 80,112 crore, AP claims the project will be integrated with India’s national river-linking initiative. The move has reignited tensions between the two States, carved from a single entity just over a decade ago. Telangana views the link as a threat to its water share under the 2014 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award.

On October 15, Telangana Irrigation Engineer-in-Chief Mohd Amjad Hussain wrote to the CWC and the Polavaram Project Authority opposing the PBLP. “The diversion goes beyond what is allowed in the Polavaram blueprint and could flood our lands with backwater,” Hussain stated, urging the Environmental Appraisal Committee to reject the pre-feasibility report at its next meeting.

Andhra officials counter that the plan only taps excess flows and will not encroach on upstream rights. They are confident of proceeding once the DPR is finalised, given that the NDA government is in power both in the State and at the Centre.

Tensions between the two Telugu States are escalating as work on the DPR gains momentum. The CWC’s silence has only fuelled frustration in Telangana. “Their silence speaks volumes,” a senior State official remarked.