No work started on Polavaram-Banakacherla project, clarifies Centre

The Centre clarified that no construction work has begun on the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, which Telangana opposes over water-sharing concerns. Andhra Pradesh has submitted only a feasibility report, while the project is under techno-economic appraisal by the Central Water Commission

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday clarified that construction work on the controversial Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project has not begun yet, even as the Telangana government continues to raise serious objections to it.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Ministry of Jal Shakti said that the Government of Andhra Pradesh has submitted only a Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) for the project.

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“As informed by the GoAP, the work pertaining to the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project has not yet been taken up,” said Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary.

The Polavaram-Banakacherla project, part of a broader river interlinking initiative, has sparked tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with the latter repeatedly voicing concerns over its potential impact on water availability and interstate water-sharing agreements.

Asked whether the Centre would issue a stop work order in light of Telangana’s objections, the minister said the question does not arise as no work has commenced.

However, he acknowledged that the government had received representations from Telangana and assured that a techno-economic appraisal is underway.

The project is being assessed by the Central Water Commission in consultation with all concerned authorities and co-basin States.