Should the Centre Reject the PFR of the Godavari-Banakacherla Project?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold move, Telangana's Irrigation Minister has called on the Centre to reject the controversial Godavari-Banakacherla project. This urgent appeal highlights potential threats to Telangana's water rights. What implications could this have for interstate relations and water governance?
Key Takeaways
- Urgent call for rejection of the PFR by Telangana's government.
- Concerns over water rights and interstate governance.
- Potential impacts on Telangana's agriculture and water supply.
- Need for all-party discussions to address water management.
- Allegations against Andhra Pradesh regarding water diversion.
Hyderabad, June 15 (NationPress) Telangana’s Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized on Sunday that the Union government is urged to promptly dismiss the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project proposed by Andhra Pradesh. He called for the blockage of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submission and the suspension of any procedures to invite or award tenders related to this initiative.
The minister pointed out that the project not only contravenes the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award from 1980 and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (APRA) of 2014 but also presents a significant and unacceptable threat to Telangana’s rightful allocation of river waters.
"It is alarming that the Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Finance, alongside the Senior Joint Commissioner of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has instructed the AP state government to submit the DPR for the Godavari-Banakacherla link, which suggests the underlying PFR is considered approved," Uttam Kumar Reddy noted on X.
He cautioned that proceeding with this would not only be procedurally incorrect but would also breach fundamental principles governing interstate water management.
On Saturday, the minister sent a correspondence to the Central government, requesting the rejection of the PFR for this project.
He called upon Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil to take the necessary steps to prevent Andhra Pradesh from submitting the DPR to the Central Water Commission (CWC).
During a meeting on June 2, led by Sajjan Yadav, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, state officials inquired about the approval status of the PFR by the CWC. The Senior Joint Commissioner of the Ministry of Jal Shakti informed them that the report was under active review by the CWC. Sajjan Yadav also directed the Andhra Pradesh government to submit the DPR by the end of the month.
In the meantime, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao has requested Uttam Kumar Reddy to ensure that the Apex Council for the Godavari River Management Board convenes a meeting concerning the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project.
In a letter addressed to the irrigation minister, the BRS leader also called for an immediate all-party meeting and an Assembly session to deliberate on this matter.
Harish Rao stated that the state government should gather input from all stakeholders to formulate a policy decision regarding the state’s rightful share of waters. He expressed concerns that the Godavari-Banakacherla project could endanger Telangana’s interests and warned that if the Centre approves the project, it would be tantamount to a disaster.
The former minister alleged that Andhra Pradesh aims to divert 200 TMC of water through Banakacherla.
Point of View
It is essential to evaluate the ongoing water disputes sensitively. The concerns raised by Telangana's government regarding the Godavari-Banakacherla project highlight broader issues of equitable water distribution. The central government must weigh these concerns seriously while balancing the interests of all affected states.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project?
The Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project is a proposed initiative by Andhra Pradesh that aims to connect the Godavari River with Banakacherla for irrigation and water supply purposes.
Why is Telangana opposing this project?
Telangana opposes the project as it believes it violates existing water agreements and poses a risk to its rightful share of river waters.
What actions has Telangana's government taken?
Telangana's Irrigation Minister has formally requested the Union government to reject the Pre-Feasibility Report and halt any further progress on the project.
What could be the consequences if the project is approved?
Approval of the project could lead to significant water diversion, adversely affecting Telangana's water resources and agricultural output.
How can citizens stay informed about this issue?
Citizens can stay informed by following updates from news outlets, government announcements, and public discussions on water resource management.
