Will Telangana Accept the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Project from Andhra?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Telangana government firmly opposes the Godavari-Banakacherla link project proposed by Andhra Pradesh, asserting that it will not accept it under any circumstances. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has voiced strong objections and taken steps to halt the project's progress. This stance highlights the ongoing water disputes in the region and the complexities of inter-state water management.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana rejects the Godavari-Banakacherla project.
- Minister Reddy emphasizes state rights over water resources.
- Concerns over water management and inter-state disputes.
- Financial implications of the project are significant.
- Collaboration is essential for resolving water resource issues.
Hyderabad, June 3 (NationPress) The government of Telangana has firmly stated that it will reject the proposed Godavari-Banakacherla link project put forth by the Andhra Pradesh administration under any circumstances, as announced by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday.
Minister Reddy emphasized that Telangana stands against this initiative and will never endorse it.
While addressing the media, he refuted claims made by Andhra Pradesh leaders regarding the utilization of water that would otherwise flow into the sea.
Reddy mentioned that all measures are being taken to halt the Godavari-Banakacherla project. The Telangana government has reached out to the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil through written correspondence.
He shared that he had a direct conversation with the Union Minister to discuss their concerns and urged him to cease the project. “We have communicated our objections and will respond at the right moment,” he stated.
On May 23, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presented a proposal to the Centre during separate meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and Jal Shakti Minister Patil, advocating for the Polavaram-Banakalcherla link project.
The aim of this project is to redirect surplus water from the Godavari River to regions in south-central Andhra Pradesh facing water scarcity. It is designed to implement lift irrigation and tunnels, connecting the areas in three phases.
The Chief Minister noted that this initiative would assist millions in drought-affected areas and serve as a prototype for river linking throughout India. A detailed project report is anticipated to be released this month.
Naidu indicated that the Polavaram–Banakacharla link project, estimated to cost Rs 80,000 crore, intends to channel 200 TMC of water without impacting any neighboring states. “Telangana is also developing projects on the Godavari. Historically, 2,000 TMC of water has flowed into the sea over the last century. Our objective is to redirect 200 TMC of this surplus to drought-prone areas, pending Central approval,” he stated.
In April, Telangana's irrigation officials expressed their opposition to the project during the GRMB meeting.
Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja and other officials provided compelling arguments against Andhra Pradesh for pursuing the Godavari-Banakacherla project without the necessary approvals and in violation of Tribunal orders.
The officials informed GRMB that, according to media reports, the G-B link scheme is a significant initiative with an estimated cost of Rs 80,112 crore. This plan involves rerouting over 200 tmcft from the Godavari River at Polavaram to Rayalaseema via the Bollapalli reservoir and Banakacherla head regulator. The proposal aims to interconnect the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers by expanding the Polavaram Reservoir Head Works, contravening the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award.
Point of View
The ongoing dispute over the Godavari-Banakacherla link project illustrates the complexities surrounding water resource management in India. With states vying for control over water resources, it is crucial to find a balance that ensures equitable distribution while addressing the needs of drought-affected areas. The dialogue between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh highlights the importance of collaboration in resolving inter-state water disputes.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Godavari-Banakacherla link project?
The Godavari-Banakacherla link project is an initiative proposed by Andhra Pradesh to divert surplus water from the Godavari River to drought-prone regions in south-central Andhra Pradesh.
Why is Telangana opposing this project?
Telangana is opposing the project due to concerns over water resource allocation and the potential impact on its own water projects and rights.
What steps has Telangana taken against the project?
The Telangana government has communicated its objections to the Godavari River Management Board and the Union Jal Shakti Minister, urging them to halt the project.
What are the financial implications of the project?
The estimated cost of the Polavaram-Banakacherla link project is around Rs 80,000 crore, which raises concerns about its financial viability and impact on state budgets.
What is the significance of this water dispute?
This dispute underscores the ongoing challenges of managing shared water resources in India, highlighting the need for cooperative agreements between states.
