Telangana warns Centre again on AP’s Banakacherla project; flags ecological threat

Telangana has strongly opposed Andhra Pradesh's proposed Godavari–Banakacherla link project, warning that diverting 200 TMC of floodwaters from the Polavaram reservoir could violate inter-state water-sharing agreements and cause serious environmental harm.

Hyderabad: Telangana has stepped up its opposition to Andhra Pradesh’s proposed Godavari–Banakacherla link project, warning that the diversion of river water could disrupt inter-state water-sharing arrangements and trigger serious environmental consequences.

In a strongly worded letter to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Telangana Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja reportedly urged the Centre to halt all approvals for the project. He cited violations of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, as grounds for the objection.

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The proposed project seeks to divert 200 TMC of floodwaters from the Polavaram reservoir to Rayalaseema via Banakacherla. Telangana has raised concerns that the diversion would alter Polavaram’s gate operations and push the total volume diverted to 650 TMC — significantly higher than the 449.78 TMC limit sanctioned by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Officials fear the excess diversion could result in backwater submergence in upstream areas and pose a threat to ecological stability in Telangana.

Bojja underlined that Telangana’s consent is legally mandatory for any inter-basin transfer involving the Godavari. He urged the Centre to suspend all approvals until Andhra Pradesh secures clearances from the CWC, Technical Advisory Committee, and the Apex Council.

The letter also called for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, a reassessment of Polavaram’s operational protocol, and measures to safeguard Telangana’s share of floodwaters.

Further, it accused Andhra Pradesh of unilaterally pushing forward the project without consulting co-riparian states, describing the move as procedurally flawed. Telangana’s firm resistance indicates a deepening rift between the two states over river water management, potentially setting the stage for legal and political confrontation if the project moves ahead without consensus.