Will the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project Affect Telangana's Interests?
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Synopsis
In light of escalating objections from Telangana, the Andhra Pradesh government defends the controversial Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project. State officials argue the initiative will not harm upper riparian states, while Telangana contends it undermines their rightful share of river water. This article delves into the ongoing dispute and the implications for both states.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh asserts the project will utilize wasted water.
- Telangana raises concerns over its water rights.
- Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu defends the project.
- Ongoing disputes highlight the complexities of water management.
- Both states are urged to find a collaborative solution.
Amaravati, June 17 (NationPress) In response to the serious concerns raised by the Telangana government regarding the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project, the Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday stood firm, asserting that the initiative will not jeopardize the interests of upper riparian states. State Water Resources Development Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu presented a detailed overview of the project during a press briefing, emphasizing that an estimated 3,000 TMC of water from the Godavari River is wasted annually, flowing into the sea.
According to the minister, Andhra Pradesh intends to harness the Godavari water available at Polavaram. He stated, "The water that is currently going to waste in the sea will instead be redirected to Banakacherla." Ramanaidu clarified that the state is not infringing upon the water rights allocated to upper riparian states, highlighting that the Godavari is unique in possessing a flow of 50 lakh cusecs.
The minister refuted claims suggesting that Andhra Pradesh is encroaching on Telangana’s share of Godavari waters via the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project, asserting that the state is adhering strictly to regulations throughout the project’s execution.
On the other hand, Telangana’s Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy had previously urged Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to refrain from appraising the Polavaram-Banakacherla project proposed by Andhra Pradesh and to reject the request for granting Terms of Reference (ToR) during the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed that the proposal submitted by Andhra Pradesh to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, seeking ToR for diverting 200 tmcft of floodwaters, contradicts the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal established in 1980.
He called on the Centre to dismiss the proposal for the ToR associated with the modified Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), alleging that the actions of the Andhra Pradesh government are consistent violations of environmental clearances and tribunal allocations.
Uttam Kumar Reddy previously requested the Centre to promptly reject the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), prevent submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and halt any actions related to the scheme.
He conveyed in a letter to Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil that the project not only contravenes the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980 and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA) of 2014 but also represents a direct threat to Telangana’s lawful share of river waters.
Point of View
It is essential to provide an unbiased perspective on the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project. The ongoing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana highlights the complexities of water resource management in India. While both states present compelling arguments, it is crucial to prioritize collaborative solutions that respect the rights of all stakeholders involved.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project?
The Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project is an initiative proposed by Andhra Pradesh to divert excess floodwaters from the Godavari River to Banakacherla, aiming to utilize water that would otherwise flow into the sea.
Why is Telangana opposing the project?
Telangana opposes the project on the grounds that it may infringe upon their allocated share of Godavari waters, violating previous agreements and potentially harming their water rights.
What are the claims made by Andhra Pradesh regarding the project?
Andhra Pradesh claims that the project will not harm the interests of Telangana or other upper riparian states and that it is merely utilizing water that would otherwise go to waste.
What is the current status of the project?
The project is under scrutiny, with Telangana urging the Central government to reject the proposal while Andhra Pradesh defends its execution and adherence to regulations.
How does this project relate to the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal?
The project has raised concerns regarding compliance with the rulings of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal established in 1980, as Telangana argues it contradicts the tribunal's allocations.
