Hyderabad: As tensions rise between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Vedire Sriram, a key expert on irrigation and Chairman of the Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers, opposes the Godavari-Banakacherla Link project. He argues that it goes against the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) award.
Sriram, who once advised the Jal Shakti ministry, points out that the project intends to use floodwaters, which is not allowed by the tribunal’s rules. He also mentions that the project does not meet the 70% water dependability needed for approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Union Ministry. The plan involves diverting floodwaters from the Polavaram Dam to the Krishna River through a new canal parallel to the Polavaram Right Main Canal, with a capacity of 510 cumecs. Sriram emphasizes the need for the government to explain how it defines and calculates “flood water” and whether it aligns with the GWDT award.
Sriram states, “The CWC has received a pre-feasibility report, and understanding the legal aspects of water use is crucial.” The Commission has asked Andhra Pradesh about the water reliability for the proposed 200 TMC project and requested a list of projects from seven states, including those with assured and unapproved water. He warns of operational issues if Banakacherla proceeds without proper water allocations.
The expert also notes that Telangana opposes the Banakacherla project, and the ministry has sought feedback from co-basin states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Odisha. He anticipates that once these states express their concerns, opposition to the project will grow.
