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Key Points

Telangana has secured a major win as the EAC refused environmental clearance to Andhra Pradesh's Polavaram-Banakacherla project. The panel cited violations of the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal and interstate concerns. CM Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy had earlier urged the Centre to halt the project. The decision reinforces Telangana's efforts to protect its water rights under inter-state agreements.

Key Points: Telangana Wins as EAC Rejects Andhra's Polavaram-Banakacherla Project

  • EAC rejects Andhra's Polavaram-Banakacherla project over GWDT violations
  • Telangana leaders raised concerns with Jal Shakti Minister
  • Panel cites need for CWC consultation before clearance
  • Project faces objections from Odisha and Chhattisgarh
3 min read

Telangana claims victory after EAC refuses clearance for Andhra Pradesh's proposed project

Telangana celebrates victory as EAC denies clearance to Andhra's Polavaram-Banakacherla project, citing GWDT violations and interstate concerns.

"This marks a key step in Telangana’s assertive stance to protect its rightful share in river waters – TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud"

Hyderabad, July 1

The Congress government in Telangana has claimed victory in its efforts to safeguard the state's interests after the Central Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) refused to grant clearance to the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project proposed by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana's Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said that efforts of the Telangana government have borne fruit as the Environment Ministry's EAC has concluded that environmental clearances cannot be granted for the Polavaram-Banakacherla project.

He noted that the EAC considered the letters written by him, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy to the Centre.

The EAC, which met in Delhi on Monday, made it clear that it will not grant permission for the Polavaram-Banakacherla project. It noted that there have been several objections to the project.

The panel said that the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT) award needs to be examined before granting permission. It opined that it was imperative to consult the Central Water Commission (CWC) for environmental clearances.

Several complaints to EAC had alleged that the project violates the 1980 GWDT judgement. Concerns were also raised about potential submergence in neighbouring states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Revanth Reddy, along with Uttam Kumar Reddy, met Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Delhi on June 19 and urged him to stop the Banakacherla project

They alleged that Banakacherla is against natural justice and the interests of Telangana and complained that Andhra Pradesh is violating the GWDT and the State Reorganisation Act.

They urged Patil to reject the pre-feasibility report of the Godavari-Banakacherla project and to ensure justice and truth prevail.

The Chief Minister brought to the attention of the Union Minister the various concerns raised by the people and farmers of Telangana over the way the Union Finance Ministry and the Environment Ministry are handling the Banakacherla project approvals.

Revanth Reddy informed Patil that Andhra Pradesh claimed to have proposed the Banakacherla project based on flood waters of Godavari, but the truth was that there are no mentions of flood waters or surplus waters in the GWDT-1980.

Meanwhile, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud stated that Telangana firmly safeguarded its water rights by ensuring strict compliance with inter-state water agreements concerning Banakacherla.

In a post on 'X', he noted that EAC, while reviewing the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project, raised significant concerns over inter-state implications and potential violations of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980.

The Committee stressed the need for prior consultation with the CWC to assess water availability and address legal and jurisdictional issues. As a result, the EAC has returned the proposal, advising the proponent to obtain necessary clearances and permissions before proceeding further.

"This marks a key step in Telangana's assertive stance to protect its rightful share in river waters," said the state Congress chief.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I'm happy for Telangana, I wish our politicians would focus more on water conservation projects rather than fighting over river waters. Every year we face drought situations - we need long-term solutions!
A
Arjun K
This is a clear victory for Telangana's rights! But I hope Andhra Pradesh doesn't take this as a setback and instead works collaboratively for sustainable water sharing. After all, we're all Indians first.
S
Sarah B
As someone new to India, I find these inter-state water disputes fascinating. The environmental considerations seem well thought out here. Hope this leads to better water management policies nationwide.
V
Vikram M
The GWDT award must be respected by all states. Good that EAC stood firm on this. But politicians should stop making this a political issue - water is about people's livelihoods, not vote banks!
K
Kavya N
While the decision is correct, I'm concerned about the submergence issues in Odisha and Chhattisgarh that were mentioned. Environmental clearances should never be rushed - too many families get displaced otherwise.

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