Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing to strongly oppose the Polavaram project being developed by Andhra Pradesh. A meeting is expected later this month, organized by the Central Government, where issues related to the project will be discussed. Although it’s not confirmed whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the session, the meeting may involve the Chief Ministers or Chief Secretaries of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Officials in Telangana have already created a detailed report to challenge Andhra Pradesh’s claims. The report focuses on the potential submergence of Telangana lands due to the Polavaram project. They are preparing to raise these concerns during the upcoming meeting.
The main concern is Andhra Pradesh’s plan to expand the Polavaram project as part of the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project. This expansion includes drawing 40,000 cusecs of water from the Right Main Canal (RMC) through a head sluice. Telangana officials argue that co-riparian states were not informed about this move, which violates agreements.
Telangana irrigation officials have already expressed their objections to the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). They have warned that the project could cause serious environmental problems and damage important sites. One major concern is the risk to the Bhadrachalam temple, a well-known religious site in the state.
They also fear that rising backwater levels could affect the Lord Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple, the Manuguru Heavy Water Plant, and many villages along the Godavari River. During heavy rainfall, tributaries like the Kinnerasani and Munneruvagu could flood more severely, putting low-lying areas in danger.
Last year, several villages in Telangana suffered from extreme flooding. Officials say it’s critical to study the backwater effects thoroughly and implement safety measures before the project moves forward. They are urging the Central Government to step in and halt the project until all concerns are addressed.
