Harish Rao writes to Polavaram Project Authority, seeks safeguards against Polavaram backwater threat

BRS leader T Harish Rao has urged the Polavaram Project Authority to protect Bhadrachalam from potential backwater flooding. He demanded compensation, rehabilitation and infrastructure measures, warning that thousands of residents and key industrial units could face future submergence risks.

Hyderabad: BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao urged the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) to take immediate measures to protect Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas from the growing threat of backwaters from the Polavaram project. He demanded immediate compensation and permanent rehabilitation for families repeatedly affected by floods.

He wrote a letter to the PPA Chief Executive Officer which was handed over to the PPA authorities touring Bhadrachalam by BRS leaders from Bhadrachalam and Pinapaka.

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In his letter, Harish Rao cautioned that Bhadrachalam would face a permanent flood risk once the project is completed, as the full reservoir level of Polavaram project and the first flood warning level at Bhadrachalam are both 45.72 metres. He reminded that after the Polavaram cofferdam was completed in 2021, backwaters caused extensive flooding in 2022, submerging nearly 40 per cent of Bhadrachalam and affecting over one lakh people in Bhadrachalam, Burgampahad and Sarapaka.

The former Minister raised concern that the backwater impact would extend beyond villages to major industrial units, including ITC Paperboards, the Heavy Water Plant and the Dummugudem Hydroelectric Project, which together support thousands of livelihoods. Citing studies by IIT and WAPCOS, he said around 184 sq km across 36 villages could face submergence.

Harish Rao called for financial assistance and comprehensive rehabilitation for nearly 2,000 affected families. He also sought immediate construction of pumping stations and treatment plants to protect Bhadrachalam’s drainage system, and the building of new embankments and protective walls in vulnerable areas.

He also demanded the establishment of a dedicated PPA divisional office in Bhadrachalam to monitor submergence issues and oversee rehabilitation works. He accused the government of remaining indifferent to the plight of flood-affected residents.