Will Telangana Ever Approve the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project?
Synopsis
In a bold statement, Telangana's Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy firmly opposes the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project proposed by Andhra Pradesh. He emphasizes legal actions and the support of neighboring states to protect Telangana's water rights. This intriguing political landscape raises questions about interstate water disputes and governance in India.
Key Takeaways
Telangana is firmly against the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project.
Legal action is being pursued in the Supreme Court.
Support from Maharashtra and Karnataka against the project.
Concerns over violations of water rights regulations.
The involvement of senior legal experts to advocate for Telangana's interests.
Hyderabad, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Telangana Irrigation Minister, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, emphatically declared that the Telangana government will never consent to the development of the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government, asserting that they will actively work to halt it.
In an informal discussion with media representatives, he articulated that the proposals put forth by the Andhra Pradesh government represent a blatant infringement of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal 1980 ruling and the regulations governing interstate water sharing.
He clarified that the correspondence presented by former minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Harish Rao was merely an internal communication intended for informational purposes from the Central Water Commission (CWC), and does not imply any form of approval from the CWC.
The minister dismissed the BRS leaders' allegations that the ruling Congress party was attempting to sow confusion among the populace regarding the water rights of Telangana.
He reminded that the Telangana government had addressed letters to the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), Polavaram Project Authority, Central Water Commission, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, opposing the Polavaram-Nallamala project. He asserted that all these entities concurred with the Telangana government's position.
He highlighted that the letter from the Central Water Commission dated December 4 serves as evidence of this agreement.
Furthermore, he mentioned that not only Telangana but also Maharashtra and Karnataka are against this project.
The irrigation minister revealed that the state government is pursuing legal recourse in the Supreme Court.
The government has enlisted senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Singhvi to safeguard Telangana's interests and present compelling arguments.
However, he noted that the arguments set for today (January 5) have been postponed to the following Monday, with advice for Telangana to convert the writ petition into a suit petition.
The minister confirmed his personal attendance at the arguments next Monday, where he will seek a stay order.
He added that within the next two days, they will convene another special meeting with the legal team to devise a strategy to protect Telangana's interests.
The minister stated that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has effectively stopped the work on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, asserting that the project ceased only after the Congress party assumed power.
In response to claims by BRS leaders that the Rayalaseema Project was halted by the previous BRS government, Uttam Kumar Reddy questioned why this was not disclosed.
He accused the BRS of having poorly managed water resources during its decade-long governance.
Point of View
The ongoing dispute over the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project illustrates the complexities of interstate water management in India. The Telangana government's firm stance, supported by legal avenues and alliances with neighboring states, highlights the critical nature of water rights. This issue not only affects local governance but also reflects broader national interests in equitable resource distribution.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project?
The Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project is a proposed irrigation initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government aimed at linking water resources between the Polavaram and Nallamala regions.
Why is Telangana opposing this project?
Telangana opposes the project as it believes it violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award and interstate water sharing regulations.
What legal actions is Telangana taking?
Telangana is pursuing legal action in the Supreme Court to halt the project, with the involvement of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi.
Which other states are against this project?
Besides Telangana, both Maharashtra and Karnataka have also expressed opposition to the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar link project.
What does the Central Water Commission's letter imply?
The letter from the Central Water Commission, as mentioned by the Minister, is an internal communication and does not imply approval of the project.
