Telangana weighing mega options to counter Andhra’s Godavari-Banakacherla link project

Deliberating on whether to propose new lift irrigation scheme on Godavari river or enhance existing lift irrigation projects, including Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme

Hyderabad: Telangana irrigation officials are currently deliberating on whether to propose a new lift irrigation scheme on the Godavari river or enhance the existing lift irrigation projects, including the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

The brainstorming is in response to the Godavari-Banakacherla project proposed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, which has raised concerns among Telangana‘s irrigation authorities.

---

Despite Telangana’s appeal to the Ministry of Jal Shakti to halt approvals for project detrimental to its interests, Andhra Pradesh remained steadfast in its plans, reportedly with tacit approval and assurances of central funds. Andhra Pradesh is working on finalising the detailed project report (DPR) and making budgetary allocations for the Rs 80,112-crore multi-stage lift irrigation project, which aims to lift 2 TMC flood water daily.

The Telangana government has faced challenges in opposing Andhra Pradesh’s projects, including the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme. As a strategic response, Telangana’s irrigation officials are considering utilising 2-4 TMC of flood waters from the Godavari daily, similar to the Godavari-Banakacherla project, and seeking central assistance.

If a new project is not possible, officials suggested enhancing the lifting capacity of existing projects to match the plans of Andhra Pradesh. This includes revisiting the additional component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, which was initially designed to draw an additional 1 TMC of water daily, but was shelved by the Congress government.

The capacities of the Devadula Lift Scheme and Sitarama projects are also being considered for add-on components. The Telangana government is keen on addressing this complex situation by either proposing a new project or enhancing existing ones to beat back the mounting criticism from the opposition parties.