The Central Water Commission (CWC) has recently ordered a collaborative investigation of the Polavaram backwaters in Telangana. This move comes after concerns were raised about the impact of the Polavaram dam project on the backwaters, which are an important source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes in the region.
The Polavaram dam project is a multi-purpose project being constructed on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. The project involves the construction of a dam, a spillway, a powerhouse, and a navigation lock. The dam is expected to provide irrigation water to about 7.2 lakh hectares of land in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and also generate hydroelectric power.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of the project on the backwaters in Telangana. The backwaters are formed by the Godavari River and its tributaries, and are an important source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes in the region. The backwaters also support a rich ecosystem, with a variety of flora and fauna.
The CWC has ordered a collaborative investigation of the backwaters by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. The investigation will assess the impact of the Polavaram dam project on the backwaters, and suggest measures to mitigate any adverse effects.
The investigation will cover various aspects such as hydrology, sediment transport, water quality, ecology, and socio-economic aspects. The investigation team will also consult with various stakeholders such as farmers, fishermen, and local communities to understand their concerns and suggestions.
The CWC has emphasized that the investigation will be carried out in a transparent and participatory manner, with active involvement of all stakeholders. The findings of the investigation will be shared with all concerned parties, and appropriate measures will be taken to address any issues identified.
The collaborative investigation of the Polavaram backwaters is a positive step towards ensuring sustainable development of the region. It is important to balance the needs of irrigation, power generation, and ecological conservation, and the investigation will help in achieving this balance. The involvement of all stakeholders in the investigation process will also help in building trust and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.
