Central Water Commission unhappy over delayed Polavaram project backwater study

Polavaram Project Authority accused of adopting dilatory tactics, raising concerns about the safety of vital installations like Manuguru Heavy Water Plant, pilgrim town of Bhadrachalam

Hyderabad: The Central Water Commission (CWC) is quite unhappy with the delay in conduct of the impact studies on Polavaram backwaters. The backwaters impact is seen as a big threat looming large over Telangana.

With climate change triggering extreme weather events, Telangana has been demanding a comprehensive study on the impact of the backwaters for long. The study is to cover important streams which are likely to trigger cascading effect causing large-scale submergence.

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Though it is an issue to be addressed with a sense of urgency, the seriousness is missing in the approach of the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). It has been accused of adopting dilatory tactics, raising concerns about the safety of vital installations like the Manuguru Heavy Water Plant, the pilgrim town of Bhadrachalam and tribal settlements along the river course in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

CWC sources have clarified that the primary responsibility for conducting backwater impact studies lies with the PPA, although it has pledged to provide necessary support. Despite this, the PPA has repeatedly attempted to shift the responsibility to the CWC. The monsoon season is fast approaching and forecasts are indicating above-normal rainfall.

The threat of flooding and submergence looms large, with historical data showing that the Godavari River has experienced severe floods nearly 40 times in the last 75 years, most often occurring in August. The complacency of the PPA could prove costly, as flood control measures remain inadequate.

In an interstate meeting held on April 4 between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it was decided that drainage congestion studies in six to seven major streams in Telangana would be undertaken by the PPA with CWC support. These studies are to be modeled on previous efforts involving the Kinnerasani and Murreduvagu streams.

The Hydrological Studies Organisation had earlier conducted backwater studies as part of the M Gopalakrishnan Committee Report, providing a substantial database on the impact of Polavaram backwaters. However, the PPA’s recent request to the CWC on Tuesday to take up the drainage congestion study of six streams in Telangana has drawn criticism.

When contacted on the issue, CWC sources responded with frustration, emphasising that this issue could not be postponed any longer. The matter has lingered despite Supreme Court directions issued on September 6, 2022, which led to multiple technical meetings chaired by the CWC.